Alaska Senate Race Escalates as Trump Demands Peltola’s Removal Amid Ballot Stacking Allegations

Key points

• The New York Times reported that the Peltola campaign and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee recruited Dan J. Sullivan of Petersburg to run for Senate, aiming to split votes from incumbent Dan S. Sullivan.
• President Trump posted on social media that Peltola should face legal and political consequences, calling the situation a fraud and demanding the 'fake' Sullivan be removed from the ballot.
• The Department of Justice filed a lawsuit seeking to block the certification of the election if Sullivan loses by fewer votes than the Petersburg candidate receives, a move opposed by state election officials and the League of Women Voters.
• More than 60,000 Alaskans have cast early ballots, exceeding the total early vote count from the 2022 midterm, as polls show Peltola with a slim lead.
• The Peltola campaign denied involvement in recruiting the second Sullivan, calling the story a distraction, while Sen. Lisa Murkowski criticized the alleged deception.

Background

This development occurs in the final week before the November 3 midterms, where Democrats currently hold a nine-point lead in the national generic ballot. The Alaska race is particularly volatile due to the state’s unique election system, which allows any candidate finishing in the top four of the primary to appear on the general election ballot without party endorsement. Previous coverage noted that Trump is actively campaigning in swing states like Texas and Ohio, while Democrats focus on flipping the House. The Alaska dispute adds a new dimension to the national fight over election integrity and ballot access.

How outlets are covering it

The New York Times and Alaska Public Media highlight the strategic nature of the 'ballot composition' project, noting that while the Peltola campaign denied involvement, the Times obtained evidence of coordination with national Democratic operatives. The Washington Post focuses on the political fallout, specifically Trump’s call for Peltola’s prosecution. Republican operatives, including Sen. Lisa Murkowski and RNC spokesman Nick Poche, condemn the tactic as a 'shameful' lie and a potential federal campaign finance violation. Conversely, legal experts like attorney Libby Bakalar argue that no illegal act occurred, as Alaska’s open ballot system permits strategic candidate recruitment, and courts do not investigate political motives. The Peltola campaign maintains it had no involvement, while the Petersburg candidate has not responded to inquiries.

Why it matters

The outcome of the Alaska Senate race could influence the balance of power in the U.S. Senate, which is currently contested in the 2026 midterms. The legal challenge to the election certification sets a precedent for federal intervention in state elections, potentially affecting other close races. Additionally, the surge in early voting suggests high voter engagement, which may mitigate the impact of ballot confusion if voters utilize ranked-choice voting to prioritize their preferred candidates.

What to watch

A judge is expected to rule on motions to dismiss the DOJ lawsuit as soon as Friday afternoon. The election is scheduled for November 3, with early voting continuing. The Peltola campaign and the DSCC have issued denials but have not addressed detailed questions from the New York Times. The Petersburg Sullivan has not responded to media inquiries. The final vote count will determine if the DOJ’s certification block is triggered, potentially leading to further legal battles.