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Archived story · published October 29, 2026. Coverage reflects reporting at the time. See today's brief

Politics · October 29, 2026

Alaska governor calls for investigation into Democratic Senate candidate

27 sources →

Federal and state authorities have launched criminal investigations into Democratic Senate candidate Mary Peltola's campaign following reports that it recruited a namesake candidate, Dan J. Sullivan Jr., to run against incumbent Republican Senator Dan Sullivan. The U.S. Department of Justice has escalated its probe by issuing grand jury subpoenas and records preservation demands, while the Alaska Bureau of Investigation began its inquiry at the request of Governor Mike Dunleavy. Peltola has denied any knowledge of the recruitment effort, stating she is not interested in tricking voters. The controversy has prompted discussions regarding potential delays in election certification and the legality of using 'spoiler' candidates in high-stakes races.

Read the original coverage

Reported across the spectrum

  • Mary Peltola denied knowledge of the effort to place a second Dan Sullivan on the ballot during a speech in Juneau.
  • The Justice Department has issued new grand jury subpoenas and records preservation demands.
  • The Alaska Bureau of Investigation is investigating the matter at the request of Governor Mike Dunleavy.
  • The investigation follows reporting from The New York Times alleging the Peltola campaign's involvement in recruiting Dan J. Sullivan Jr.
  • The namesake candidate, Dan J. Sullivan Jr., is a retired teacher.

Reported by only some outlets

  • Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy stated that election certification could be frozen next week due to the probe.
  • The Department of Justice subpoenas include demands for documents and grand jury testimony.
  • The Alaska Department of Public Safety confirmed that the Alaska Bureau of Investigation is working with the Alaska Department of Law to examine the facts.

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