In just two weeks before the midterm election, the Trump administration has asked a federal court to block certification of Alaska's U.S. Senate race if Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan loses while another candidate with the same name remains on the ballot.

What we know: The lawsuit, filed Thursday by the Department of Justice, argues the state should be barred from certifying a Democratic win if Daniel J. Sullivan, a previously unknown candidate, is allowed to stay on the ballot.

DOJ lawyers say federal law obligates states to safeguard the integrity of federal elections.