AG Blanche, Asked in Norfolk Whether DOJ Could Block a State From Certifying, Says He Won't Say There Are No Circumstances

On Thursday, October 22, 2026, in Norfolk, Va., NBC News reports, Attorney General Todd Blanche “left open the possibility that the Justice Department could seek to block states from certifying votes in the midterm elections.” He spoke to reporters before boarding a plane, ahead of a news conference with FBI Director Kash Patel on racketeering charges against a Virginia state senator.

The question, as reported. NBC: Blanche “was asked whether he could rule out any action by the Justice Department that could seek to delay the counting of ballots.” The Daily Beast and Democracy Docket phrase it as whether DOJ might try to block states from certifying. Which reporter asked the exact question is not established in a transcript; NBC’s Ryan J. Reilly posted that he asked Blanche about possible post-election litigation.

The answer, as transcribed by each outlet. The Daily Beast, from the clip: “I mean, is there any scenario? Yes,” then “some doomsday scenario for example, right?” Democracy Docket: “Yes. Of course there are scenarios that we could all come up with hypothetically — some doomsday scenario, for example.” NBC, on the denial: “It is not DOJ’s intention to, and it’s never our intention to, improperly interfere with elections or the state confirmation process or certification process.” NBC on the remainder: “Of course, I’m not going to say that.” Democracy Docket adds “Of course not, no” after the line about planning his days around the election; NBC’s version ends at “Of course not.”

Later the same day. At the Norfolk news conference, NBC reports, he said: “I’m not trying to not have an election certified. Of course not.”

Law. NBC: “no U.S. laws say the Justice Department can challenge ballots or delay certification.” Democracy Docket: “the federal government has no role in the process of state certification of election results.”