Democratic Senate candidate Mary Peltola denied knowledge of an effort to place a candidate with the same name as Republican incumbent Dan Sullivan on Alaska’s ballot, as the Justice Department issued at least three dozen subpoenas in its investigation into the race. The move came after The New York Times reported that Peltola’s campaign allegedly recruited Dan J. Sullivan, a retired teacher, to siphon votes from the sitting senator.
Peltola Denies Involvement, While Investigations Expand
Her campaign has consistently denied any connection to Dan J. Sullivan, who has claimed he entered the race of his own accord. However, the Justice Department’s grand jury subpoenas and document requests, confirmed by a U.S. official, signal a deepening federal probe into potential election interference.
Q-If [Mary Peltola] were to win, and if she's still under investigation, would you certify the election?Gov. Dunleavy- "If we conclude there were things…that are illegal, we will act on that. And that may in fact impact whether somebody is seated in the U.S. Senate" pic.twitter.com/T3npq6L0xk
Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy ordered a separate investigation into the matter. The state’s Department of Public Safety will assess whether the candidate’s involvement violated Alaska law, with Dunleavy suggesting certification of the election outcome could be impacted if illegal activity is confirmed.
On Oct. 29, 2026, Vice President JD Vance spoke to the media before boarding Air Force Two for Texas, reiterating his call for an investigation into possible election fraud and accusing Peltola of “trying to steal a Senate seat from the voters of Alaska.”
Today’s New York Times reporting reveals disturbing new evidence of an organized effort to manipulate Alaska’s elections by recruiting candidates—including one with the same name as an incumbent U.S. Senator—to deliberately confuse voters and misdirect their votes. The Alaska…
Trump and Vance accuse Peltola of voter fraud
President Donald Trump accused Peltola of voter fraud and refused to commit to accepting her victory. Vice President JD Vance echoed the sentiment, calling for an investigation into possible election fraud and accusing Peltola of “trying to steal a Senate seat from the voters of Alaska.”
The Justice Department, acting on Trump’s directives, previously filed a lawsuit to block certification of the race should Sullivan lose, despite the Constitution assigning state governments authority over elections. Legal experts, including Loyola Law School professor Justin Levitt, noted there is no clear legal basis for criminal charges in Alaska.
On Oct. 29, 2026, Trump reiterated his stance that the election results should be questioned if Peltola wins.
Alaska Supreme Court allows Sullivan to remain on ballot
However, Alaska’s state Supreme Court allowed Dan J. Sullivan to remain on the ballot, ruling there was insufficient evidence he intended to mislead voters.
AP: Mary Peltola denies knowing about Alaska spoiler candidate as Justice Department escalates investigation“I just want to clear the air,” she said at the top of a speech in a downtown bar in Juneau, Alaska’s capital on Thursday. “I knew nothing about any other candidate on…”
Legal challenges could still arise if the state’s investigation uncovers evidence of coordination between Peltola’s campaign and Dan J. Sullivan. Meanwhile, the race’s outcome remains uncertain, with the seat potentially influencing the Senate’s partisan balance.
Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, reacted to the allegations on Fox News, stating, “She’s the corrupt one working with DC insiders to trick Alaskans.”
Did You Know? The Justice Department issued at least three dozen subpoenas as part of its probe into Alaska’s Senate race, targeting both Peltola’s campaign and Dan J. Sullivan’s team, according to a U.S. official.
Expert Insight: The legal basis for criminal charges in Alaska remains unclear, with experts noting that state courts have already allowed the namesake candidate to remain on the ballot. The federal government’s role in certifying election results is constitutionally limited, yet Trump’s actions highlight the political tensions surrounding the race.
How many subpoenas has the Justice Department issued in Alaska?
How many subpoenas has the Justice Department issued in Alaska?
The Justice Department has issued at least three dozen subpoenas and document preservation requests as part of its investigation into the Alaska Senate race, according to a U.S. official.
What is the legal basis for challenging the election results?
Alaska’s state Supreme Court upheld the namesake candidate’s eligibility, finding no “preponderance of evidence” he sought to mislead voters. Federal law does not grant the Justice Department authority to challenge state election results.
The Justice Department has issued a new round of subpoenas in its investigation of Alaska’s U.S. Senate race, sources told ABC News Thursday.The probe centers on allegations that Democratic operatives, including people connected to Mary Peltola’s campaign and the Democratic…
Could the election outcome be delayed?
Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy suggested the state might “have to take a look at that” if Peltola wins and illegal activity is confirmed, but no formal steps have been taken to delay the process.
As Election Day nears, the controversy highlights the high stakes of a race that could determine control of the U.S. Senate. How might the outcome shape national political dynamics in the coming years?
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