DOJ Challenges Alaska Senate Race; Trump Involved in Election Lawsuit Amid Political Tensions
October 23, 2026
The Department of Justice filed a lawsuit aimed at blocking the certification of Alaska's Senate election if incumbent Dan Sullivan loses, arguing that a second Sullivan candidacy could confuse voters and help Democrat Mary Peltola.
Daniel J. Sullivan runs as an independent on the ballot in Alaska, where ranked-choice voting allows voters to select both Sullivans, and prior rulings have kept him on the ballot despite efforts to remove him.
Trump acknowledged directing the Alaska lawsuit, saying he told officials to proceed.
Global News is cited for attribution, noting the report’s update and the evolving nature of the legal challenge.
Trump floated delaying an NFL game in Paris amid unrest in France, framing it within a broader political commentary on domestic and international issues.
He tied the Paris game postponement idea to protests in France and other political pressures, linking domestic concerns to international events.
Analysts say these actions could create political pressure or justify extraordinary measures even if their legal viability is uncertain.
The report situates the DOJ move within President Trump’s campaign activity and the wider political climate ahead of the election.
Legal scholars cited express mixed views on potential federal intervention in elections, noting measuring voter confusion is difficult and the case’s basis may be weak.
Criticism from Governor Gavin Newsom and experts Derek Muller and Rick Hasen frames the DOJ action as unlikely to succeed and politically motivated.
The White House directed questions to the DOJ, which did not respond, as the lawsuit and Trump’s involvement unfold amid midterm visibility concerns like cost-of-living and foreign policy.
Melania Trump reportedly brokered a ceasefire deal in Oleshky, Ukraine, to enable humanitarian aid and civilian evacuations, with a targeted start date of Oct. 29.
Summary based on 35 sources
Get a daily email with more World News stories
Sources

The Washington Post • Oct 23, 2026
The Latest: Trump administration sues to block possible Democratic win in Alaska Senate race
BBC News • Oct 23, 2026
Trump administration sues to block certification of Alaska election
