Alaska Senate candidate Mary Peltola denies knowledge of alleged plot to place two Dan Sullivans on ballot
Democratic Senate hopeful Mary Peltola says she had no involvement in a reported scheme to field two candidates named Dan Sullivan in Alaska’s tight race, as investigations and lawsuits intensify.
At a glance
- Mary Peltola says she had no knowledge of any effort to field two candidates named Dan Sullivan in Alaska’s Senate race.
- The Trump administration and Justice Department are investigating and have subpoenaed Democratic officials linked to recruiting Dan J. Sullivan as a potential spoiler.
- A federal lawsuit aims to block certification if the Trump‑backed Sullivan loses, warning that two Sullivans on the ballot could confuse voters.
Democratic Senate candidate Mary Peltola has said she knew nothing about a reported scheme that placed two men named Dan Sullivan on the ballot in Alaska’s Senate race, as investigations and lawsuits intensify.
The denial follows a New York Times report that Peltola’s team worked with individuals to recruit a retired teacher, Dan J. Sullivan, as a potential spoiler candidate. The paper said it reviewed text messages and interviewed 12 people involved or aware of the plan. Peltola’s campaign and the incumbent Republican senator, Dan Sullivan, have both denied any involvement.
Investigation and legal action The Trump administration has escalated a criminal investigation, and the state’s Republican governor, Mike Dunleavy, ordered an official inquiry earlier this week. The Justice Department has issued subpoenas to Democratic officials linked to the recruitment effort, though no charges have been filed. A federal lawsuit filed by the administration seeks to block certification of the election if the Trump‑backed Sullivan loses, arguing that two candidates with the same surname could confuse voters. The suit was later amended to incorporate the Times reporting and the governor’s investigation announcement.
Race dynamics Alaska’s Senate contest is considered a toss‑up by the Cook Political Report and is viewed as one of the tightest races in the upcoming midterm elections, which will determine control of Congress. Both Dan Sullivans have been campaigning for the open seat, and the controversy has added another layer of complexity to an already competitive race. President Donald Trump is scheduled to appear at back‑to‑back rallies in Kansas and Iowa on Sunday, underscoring the national attention on the Alaska battle.
Peltola addressed voters on Thursday, saying she wanted to clear any confusion, stating she had no knowledge of any other candidate besides herself and the incumbent and that she was not interested in misleading voters. Her statement reflects a broader effort to distance herself from the alleged scheme while the legal and investigative processes continue.
The case remains unresolved as the final weekend of campaigning approaches, with the Justice Department’s subpoenas and the federal lawsuit keeping the spotlight on potential voter confusion in Alaska.
Source: BBC World.
Questions and answers
- Why is the Alaska Senate race drawing national attention?
- It is a toss‑up that could decide Senate control and is being watched amid allegations of a ballot‑placement scheme.
- What legal actions have been taken regarding the alleged recruitment of Dan J. Sullivan?
- The Justice Department issued subpoenas, the Trump administration filed a lawsuit to prevent certification, and the case includes NYT reporting and a governor’s investigation.
- What has Mary Peltola said about the reported plot?
- She denied any knowledge of other candidates on the ballot besides herself and the incumbent, saying she is not interested in tricking voters.
