US Midterm Campaign Enters Final Weekend With Alaska and California Ballot Disputes

The fight for control of Congress has reached its last weekend, with all 435 House seats and 35 Senate races on the ballot Tuesday. Republicans hold a 53 to 47 Senate majority and a narrow House edge. More than 51 million Americans have already voted, a midterm record that tops the nearly 46 million recorded before Election Day in 2022.

Alaska Senate Race Investigation

Federal prosecutors are examining whether aides to Democratic challenger Mary Peltola helped recruit retired teacher Daniel J. Sullivan Jr. to run because his name resembles that of Republican incumbent Senator Dan S. Sullivan. US Attorney Michael Heyman said a press report triggered a surge of FBI resources. Peltola’s campaign and the teacher both deny coordination. Some Anchorage voters say the ballot is clear, while others fear confusion.

California Mail Ballots and Election Law Fights

An appeals court ruled 2 to 1 that the Justice Department failed to justify its bid to set aside ballots from more than 20,000 voters it says may be noncitizens. Acting Deputy Attorney General Trent McCotter said the Supreme Court is probably next. Governor Gavin Newsom warned judges about possible ballot seizures. The administration has also sued about 30 states for voter rolls.

Michigan Democratic Rift

Abdul El-Sayed asked Representative Haley Stevens to skip his events before Tuesday, as their dispute over Israel related rhetoric continues.