Trump attacks Alaska's ranked choice voting, directs DOJ to challenge election

President calls system 'corrupt', says it is sole reason Senator Murkowski won

By LineZotpaper AI staff

Published25 October 2026

Updated25 October 2026

Read Time1 min

Sources2 outlets

President Donald Trump has directed the Department of Justice to file a lawsuit challenging Alaska's election results, calling the state's ranked choice voting system 'corrupt' and the sole reason Senator Lisa Murkowski secured reelection. The move follows Trump's claim of 'voter confusion' because the incumbent and a challenger share the same name.

President Donald Trump launched a broadside against Alaska's ranked choice voting system, calling it 'corrupt' and asserting that it was the sole reason Senator Lisa Murkowski secured reelection.

Trump directed the Department of Justice to file a lawsuit challenging Alaska's election results next week if it is determined that the race was affected by 'voter confusion,' as the incumbent and a challenger share the same name.

Senator Murkowski has publicly denounced the DOJ's lawsuit, emphasizing the state's ability to handle its own elections. She has not offered further comment.

The lawsuit, if filed, would mark a rare federal intervention in a state election and could have implications for ranked choice voting, which is used in Alaska and a handful of other states.

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Analysis

Why This Matters

The DOJ lawsuit challenges a state's voting system, raising questions about federal oversight of state elections.
The outcome could affect how Alaska conducts future elections under ranked choice voting.
It highlights the continuing rift between Trump and Republican figures like Murkowski who have not aligned with him.

Background

Alaska adopted ranked choice voting through a 2020 ballot measure, and it was first used in the 2022 midterm elections. Under the system, voters rank candidates, and if no one wins a majority, the lowest-ranked candidate is eliminated and votes redistributed. Trump has long criticized the system, and the current race includes a challenger with the same last name as Senator Murkowski, which Trump says has caused voter confusion.

Key Perspectives

Donald Trump: says Alaska's ranked choice voting system is 'corrupt' and the sole reason Murkowski won. He has directed the DOJ to file a lawsuit if the race was affected by 'voter confusion' due to a challenger sharing Murkowski's name.

Lisa Murkowski: has denounced the DOJ lawsuit and emphasized that Alaska can handle its elections without federal intervention.

What to Watch

Whether the DOJ follows through with the lawsuit next week and on what legal grounds.
The response from Alaska election officials and state courts.
Potential reactions from other states that use ranked choice voting or similar systems.

Sources

Trump rips Alaska’s ‘corrupt’ ranked choice voting in attack on Murkowski · Washington Examiner
Blanche: Alaska Senate race is ‘not a fair fight’ to Trump · The Hill

Checked

9 claims in this story checked against 1 source: 4 supported.

Show each claim

SupportedTrump attacks Alaska's ranked-choice voting and directs the DOJ to challenge the election.Washington Examiner: “President Donald Trump railed against Alaska’s “corrupt” ranked choice voting system, claiming it was the sole reason Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) secured reelection. Trump directed the Department of Justice to file a lawsuit challenging Alaska’s election results next week”
SupportedTrump called the system “corrupt” and said it was the sole reason Murkowski secured reelection.Washington Examiner: “President Donald Trump railed against Alaska’s “corrupt” ranked choice voting system, claiming it was the sole reason Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) secured reelection.”
SupportedTrump directed the DOJ to file a lawsuit next week if it is determined that the race was affected by voter confusion because the incumbent and a challenger share the same name.Washington Examiner: “Trump directed the Department of Justice to file a lawsuit challenging Alaska’s election results next week if it is determined the race was affected by “voter confusion,” as the incumbent and a challenger share the same name.”
Partly supportedTrump made a claim of “voter confusion.”Washington Examiner: “Trump directed the Department of Justice to file a lawsuit challenging Alaska’s election results next week if it is determined the race was affected by “voter confusion,” as the incumbent and a challenger share the same name.”
SupportedMurkowski publicly denounced the DOJ's lawsuit and emphasized the state's ability to handle its elections.Washington Examiner: “Murkowski has publicly denounced the DOJ’s lawsuit, emphasizing the state’s ability to handle its elections.”
Not in the sourcesMurkowski has offered no further comment.Washington Examiner: “Murkowski has publicly denounced the DOJ’s lawsuit, emphasizing the state’s ability to handle its elections.”
Not in the sourcesThe lawsuit, if filed, would be a rare federal intervention in a state election.Washington Examiner: “Trump directed the Department of Justice to file a lawsuit challenging Alaska’s election results next week”
Not in the sourcesThe lawsuit could have implications for ranked-choice voting.Washington Examiner: “President Donald Trump railed against Alaska’s “corrupt” ranked choice voting system”
Not in the sourcesRanked-choice voting is used in Alaska and a handful of other states.Washington Examiner: “President Donald Trump railed against Alaska’s “corrupt” ranked choice voting system”