Manatt Files Amicus Brief in Alaska Senate Election Certification Case

On October 29, 2026, Manatt filed an amicus brief in the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska on behalf of leading election law and remedies scholar Richard L. Hasen in United States v. State of Alaska et al., No. 3:26-cv-00376-SLG, a closely watched case concerning the certification of Alaska’s 2026 U.S. Senate race.

The brief, prepared by a Manatt team led by Partner and Associate , in collaboration with Richard L. Hasen and Shelby Wayment of the Safeguarding Democracy Project, argues that the federal government’s unprecedented attempt to block certification of the Alaska election for U.S. Senate based on alleged voter confusion stemming from the presence of two candidates named “Dan Sullivan” on the ballot should be rejected.

The amicus brief contends that the federal government waited until voting was already underway to bring its claims, despite having had months to act, and that the lawsuit should be barred under the doctrine of laches. The brief explains that mistimed election litigation can undermine voter confidence in the electoral process and the judiciary, disrupt election administration and potentially influence election outcomes.

The filing also argues that the statute relied upon by the federal government does not grant the executive branch authority over state election certification processes. According to the brief, the federal government’s interpretation would improperly expand executive power over state and local election administration and conflict with constitutional principles governing the administration of federal elections.

In addition, the brief places the Alaska litigation within a broader legal and political context, discussing recent federal election-related litigation and explaining how the case relates to ongoing disputes concerning election administration and ballot tabulation in other states, including California.

The case is pending before the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska.

View the full amicus brief .