A federal judge dismissed the Trump administration’s lawsuit seeking to block Alaska from certifying the winner of its U.S. Senate election on Nov. 1. (Foto: Instagram)
A federal judge on Nov. 1 dismissed the Trump administration’s lawsuit seeking to prevent Alaska from certifying the winner of its U.S. Senate election. U.S. District Judge Sharon Gleason ruled that the federal government had not shown it had legal authority to bring the case.
Gleason wrote that the court lacked jurisdiction and that the amended complaint filed by the United States should be dismissed. Less than two hours after the ruling, the federal government said it would appeal to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
President Donald Trump confirmed on Oct. 23 that he had directed the Justice Department to try to block certification if Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan lost by a narrow margin. Sullivan is seeking reelection in a closely contested race.
Republican leaders have argued that another candidate on the ballot, Dan J. Sullivan Jr., could split the party’s vote and hurt the incumbent. The federal government said its effort was intended to prevent confusion between candidates with similar names. The election is scheduled for Nov. 3 and will help determine control of Congress.
