The US Justice Department filed an amended lawsuit on Thursday seeking to block certification of Alaska’s Senate results in the event of a narrow loss by Republican incumbent Dan S. Sullivan, and issued more than 40 subpoenas and document requests in a criminal probe into the race.
The legal escalation followed a New York Times report on 28 October that Democratic operatives linked to Mary Peltola’s campaign and aides to the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee recruited retired teacher Daniel J. Sullivan Jr. as a spoiler candidate. The two men share a name, and the report said the resemblance was the point: a second Sullivan on the ballot could confuse voters and split support.
Alaska election officials pushed back fast. In a court filing on Thursday night, they called the amended lawsuit “meritless.” Governor Mike Dunleavy ordered a state investigation, and House Oversight Chairman James Comer is also investigating the ballot controversy.
The people at the centre of the allegations deny them. Peltola says she knew nothing about any recruitment effort, the DSCC denies involvement, and Daniel J. Sullivan denies any intent to confuse voters. Reuters said it could not independently verify the Times report, which rests on texts, documents and unnamed sources.
Subpoenas are investigative tools, not proof of a crime, and no charges have been published in the probe.
What is confirmed is the Justice Department’s lawsuit and subpoenas, the state and congressional investigations, and the official denials. What is not confirmed is the recruitment allegation itself, which remains a reported claim denied by everyone named in it.
The stakes are high because the Alaska seat could help decide control of the Senate, and the fight is unfolding days before voters go to the polls on 3 November.
Sources: Reuters, 30 Oct 2026; New York Times, 28 Oct 2026; Times Now, 30 Oct 2026.
