Alaska Governor Orders Criminal Probe Into Peltola Campaign Over 'Dan Sullivan' Ballot Scheme

Key points

• Governor Dunleavy directed the Department of Public Safety to investigate if the alleged scheme violated Alaska laws, potentially leading to criminal charges or civil action.
• The New York Times reported that Peltola’s staff and DSCC aides identified and attempted to recruit a retired teacher named Daniel J. Sullivan to run as a spoiler candidate.
• Incumbent Senator Dan S. Sullivan and President Trump have called for Peltola to be removed from the ballot and prosecuted, labeling the actions as voter fraud.
• Peltola’s campaign and the DSCC deny involvement, stating they did not encourage the second candidate to run, and the Alaska Supreme Court previously rejected efforts to remove him from the ballot.
• The Justice Department has filed a lawsuit to block certification of the election results if the incumbent loses, arguing the duplicate names could confuse voters, though state officials maintain ballot access is a state matter.

Background

This dispute follows earlier tensions in the 2026 Alaska Senate race, where polls showed Peltola leading in simulated ranked-choice voting scenarios. The race is considered pivotal for determining control of the US Senate. Recent developments include a federal lawsuit filed by the Trump administration to block certification of a Democratic win and a minor car crash that temporarily halted Peltola’s final campaign tour. The current probe builds on these legal and political challenges, adding a criminal investigation dimension to the pre-election controversy.

How outlets are covering it

The New York Times and The Guardian present the core allegations, citing interviews and text messages suggesting a coordinated effort by Peltola’s allies to recruit spoiler candidates. The BBC reports on the official government response, highlighting Governor Dunleavy’s order for a probe and the denial from Peltola’s team. CNN offers a critical perspective, arguing that while the tactics were politically clumsy, they are not necessarily illegal, and that Trump is leveraging the story to fuel broader narratives of Democratic corruption. CNN also notes that Alaskans are unlikely to be confused by the ballot, which clearly identifies the incumbent, and that the ranked-choice voting system may mitigate any confusion. The sources differ on the legality of the actions, with Republicans and the administration asserting fraud, while Democrats and legal experts view it as a common, if unwise, campaign tactic.

Why it matters

The outcome of the Alaska Senate race could determine which party controls the US Senate, impacting the legislative agenda for the remainder of President Trump’s term. The governor’s probe and the federal lawsuit threaten to delay or complicate the certification of results, potentially prolonging political uncertainty. The controversy also tests the integrity of the election process and the limits of federal intervention in state elections, with broader implications for public trust in democratic institutions.

What to watch

The Department of Public Safety will conduct its investigation to determine if criminal or civil actions are warranted. The Justice Department’s lawsuit to block certification will proceed, with legal experts skeptical of its success given prior state court rulings. The midterm elections will take place on Tuesday, and the results will be closely watched for any legal challenges or delays. The outcome of the Alaska race will be crucial for determining Senate control and the balance of power in the US government.