Alaska's Ranked-Choice System Faces Trump Criticism Ahead of November Vote
Trump has criticized Alaska's ranked-choice voting and urged a repeal measure before the November 3 general election.
Event / Politics
Alaska Senate Election 2026
Election campaign for Alaska's U.S. Senate seat featuring incumbent Republican Senator Dan Sullivan and Democrat Mary Peltola, with implications for congressional control and state economic concerns including tariffs and energy projects.
3 reported locations
Daily activity
6 articles0 articles
2026-10-14 to 2026-10-25 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 14 Oct, 07:07 UTC
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What happened
Alaska Supreme Court upholds ruling allowing Daniel J. Sullivan to remain on ballot
Alaska's Division of Elections had declared Daniel J. Sullivan ineligible, stating that his candidacy was intended to cause voter confusion. A state judge ruled that he was eligible to appear on the Senate primary ballot, and the Alaska Supreme Court upheld that ruling in June, reversing the elections division's decision.
Attorney General Todd Blanche does not rule out federal intervention in state election
Attorney General Todd Blanche did not rule out the possibility of Justice Department intervention in a state election, stating that such action would require a 'doomsday scenario' and that the department does not intend to improperly interfere with elections or certification processes.
Justice Department cites National Voter Registration Act in Alaska lawsuit
The Justice Department alleges that Daniel J. Sullivan's candidacy violates the National Voter Registration Act and describes the candidacy as frivolous.
Four candidates compete in Alaska's 2026 Senate race
The Alaska Senate race features four candidates: incumbent Republican Sen. Dan S. Sullivan, Democrat Mary Peltola, Gerald Heikes, and Daniel J. Sullivan.
Alaska uses ranked-choice voting with 50% threshold to win outright
Alaska employs ranked-choice voting in its Senate election, and candidates must secure at least 50% of the vote to win outright.
US Justice Department sues to block Alaska Senate certification if Sen. Dan Sullivan loses
The US Justice Department filed a federal lawsuit seeking to block certification of Alaska's Senate election results if incumbent Republican Sen. Dan S. Sullivan loses, arguing that votes cast for Daniel J. Sullivan, a candidate with a nearly identical name, could affect the outcome through voter confusion.
Trump says he is exploring legal options to remove Daniel J. Sullivan from ballot
On Wednesday, President Donald Trump stated on social media that he was exploring legal options to remove Daniel J. Sullivan from the Alaska Senate ballot.
Daniel J. Sullivan listed on Alaska Senate ballot with name similar to incumbent
Daniel J. Sullivan is listed on the Alaska Senate ballot as 'Sullivan, Daniel J. Jr.' without a party affiliation. Incumbent Sen. Dan S. Sullivan is listed as 'Sullivan, Dan S. (Registered Republican) Incumbent'.
Alaska Senate general election scheduled for 3 November 2026
The general election for Alaska's US Senate seat is scheduled for 3 November 2026.
Justice Department opens investigation following Alaska Supreme Court ruling
The Justice Department began an investigation after the Alaska Supreme Court upheld the ruling that allowed Daniel J. Sullivan to remain on the Senate primary ballot.
Trump has criticized ranked-choice voting and urged repeal measure in Alaska
President Donald Trump has publicly criticized ranked-choice voting and urged Alaskans to support a ballot measure to repeal it.
Alaska implementing ranked choice voting and open primary system for 2026 elections
Alaska is using a unique electoral system for the 2026 general election that includes open primaries where the four top vote-getters, regardless of party affiliation, advance to the general election, which uses ranked choice voting. Alaska Republican Party leaders stated opposition to ranked choice voting but indicated they must work within the system for the 2026 election.
Republican Nick Begich faces independent challenger Bill Hill in Alaska House race
Republican Representative Nick Begich is facing a competitive challenge from Bill Hill, an independent candidate, in the 2026 Alaska House election on November 3. Trump campaigned for Begich at the November 3 rally in Wasilla.
President Trump held campaign rally for Senator Dan Sullivan in Alaska
President Donald Trump headlined a rally in Wasilla, Alaska on November 3, 2026, to support Senator Dan Sullivan's reelection bid for his third Senate term. Trump traveled approximately eight hours from Washington to Alaska, describing it as an unusually long trip so close to the midterm elections. The rally was part of a western campaign swing that also included stops in Arizona and Montana on November 4.
Retired teacher Dan J. Sullivan listed on Alaska ballot alongside Senator Dan Sullivan
A second candidate named Dan J. Sullivan, a retired teacher, is listed on the Alaska ballot for the November 3, 2026 general election. Trump and other allies of Senator Dan Sullivan have called Dan J. Sullivan a sham candidate designed to confuse voters due to the similarity in names. Dan J. Sullivan has denied these allegations. Trump urged his supporters at the rally to vote for 'the real Dan Sullivan,' referring to Senator Dan Sullivan.
Democrat Mary Peltola challenges Senator Dan Sullivan in Alaska Senate race
Democrat Mary Peltola, a former congresswoman, is running for Senate in Alaska against incumbent Republican Senator Dan Sullivan. Peltola's campaign emphasizes 'Alaska First' and cost-of-living issues. She is seeking to unseat Sullivan, who is pursuing his third Senate term. The election is scheduled for November 3, 2026.
Trump administration announces $162 million Federal Communications Commission investment for Alaska broadband
President Trump announced that the Federal Communications Commission will vote to spend $162 million to connect Alaskans to high-speed internet. The announcement was made during Trump's campaign rally in Wasilla, Alaska on November 3, 2026.
United States imposes tariffs and import bans on Canadian products
The Trump administration imposed a 50% tariff on approximately $20 billion in Canadian products and subsequently banned nearly $1 billion worth of imports from Canada, including alcoholic beverages, dairy products, and motorcycles. Canada responded with reciprocal bans and its own import levies. The trade measures could raise prices for Alaska consumers, as Canada is among Alaska's most important trading partners and shares a 1,500-plus-mile border with the state.
Trump announces South Korea $54 billion investment in Alaska natural gas project
President Trump announced a $54 billion investment by South Korea's government into an Alaska natural gas project. The announcement was made in the Oval Office with Senator Dan Sullivan present. South Korea subsequently agreed to buy gas from the new Alaska project for 20 years. However, South Korea stated that the deal and its total value have not been finalized.
Taiwan agrees to purchase gas from Alaska natural gas project for 20 years
Taiwan agreed to purchase gas from the new Alaska natural gas project for a period of 20 years. This agreement was announced by President Trump during his campaign visit to Alaska.
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2 alternative perspectives
Federal Lawsuit Challenges Ballot Listing of Similarly Named Candidate
The Justice Department is suing over a similarly named candidate's ballot listing in Alaska's Senate race.
Begich Faces Independent Challenger in Alaska House Contest
Republican Nick Begich contests Alaska House seat against independent challenger Bill Hill.
U.S. Tariffs and Canadian Import Bans Reshape Alaska Trade Dynamics
U.S. tariffs on Canadian products reshape Alaska's trade landscape and economic relationships.
Alaska Secures Major Infrastructure and Energy Investments
Alaska attracts $162M broadband funding, $54B Korean investment, and Taiwan's 20-year gas deal.
Trump Rally Energizes Sullivan's Reelection Bid Against Peltola
Trump rallies for Sullivan while Peltola challenges him under Alaska's new ranked choice voting system.