DOJ set to appeal ruling in Alaska Senate race dispute over ‘Decoy Dan’

The Justice Department announced it would appeal a federal judge's decision to dismiss its lawsuit seeking to delay certification of Alaska's Senate election amid the 'Decoy Dan' controversy. The case centers on two candidates with similar names: Republican Sen. Dan S. Sullivan and challenger Daniel J. Sullivan Jr.

U.S. District Judge Sharon Gleason dismissed the DOJ's request on Sunday, rejecting the Trump administration's bid two days before the midterm elections. The judge ruled the government had not shown how the requested investigation could identify voters' intent while protecting ballot secrecy.

Appeal Planned

The DOJ stated it would appeal the decision, arguing the judge dismissed the case on procedural grounds without addressing its claim that Sullivan Jr. entered the race to confuse voters. The legal battle now moves to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

The DOJ said it would appeal, arguing the judge dismissed the case on procedural grounds without addressing its claim that Sullivan Jr. entered the race to confuse voters.

Campaign Dispute

The dispute has roiled the campaign in recent days, with reports suggesting people connected to Democratic nominee Mary Peltola's campaign helped recruit Sullivan Jr. to run as a spoiler candidate. Peltola has denied involvement in the alleged 'Sullivan scheme.'

Sen. Sullivan said he would accept Tuesday's election results while the Trump administration pursues a criminal investigation into Sullivan Jr.'s candidacy. Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy, a Republican, has suggested he may not certify a Peltola victory.

The closely watched race could determine which party controls the Senate. Alaska uses ranked-choice voting, where if no candidate wins a majority in the first round, the last-place candidate is eliminated and voters' next choices are counted.