US Steps Up Alaska Senate Election Probe Days Before Midterms

Federal prosecutors in Alaska have sharply intensified criminal and civil investigations into allegations surrounding a second candidate named Dan Sullivan on the state’s Senate ballot, just days before the United States midterm elections on 3 November 2026. The Alaska race is one of a small number of contests that could decide which party controls the Senate, where Republicans currently hold a narrow majority.

US Attorney for Alaska Michael Heyman told reporters in Anchorage on Friday, 30 October, that several prosecutors had been assigned to the matter and FBI resources increased. He said investigative steps were proceeding intensively and swiftly, but declined to specify what offences are being examined. No charges have been announced over the recruitment allegations.

FAKTA

• Under investigation: Claims that Daniel J. Sullivan Jr. was recruited to stand, potentially confusing voters.
• The candidates: Republican incumbent Senator Dan S. Sullivan, Democratic challenger Mary Peltola, and retired teacher Daniel J. Sullivan Jr.
• Election Day: Tuesday, 3 November 2026, with early voting already under way.
• Court requests: Preserve possibly affected ballots, and delay certification if the result turns on that confusion.
• Denials: Peltola’s campaign, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee and Sullivan Jr. all deny coordination or involvement.

What prosecutors announced

Heyman said a report published earlier in the week by The New York Times had added urgency to an investigation already under way, and confirmed that both a civil and a criminal investigation are ongoing. The Justice Department has asked a federal judge in Anchorage to help preserve ballots and obtain campaign documents that could show whether Sullivan Jr.’s candidacy was frivolous or fraudulent.

In a separate filing, the department asked Judge Sharon Gleason to prevent state officials from immediately certifying the result if the incumbent loses by a margin attributable to confusion caused by the second Sullivan. Peltola’s campaign has asked the court to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing it has no legal basis.

The second Sullivan on the ballot

The New York Times reported that people connected to Peltola’s campaign and senior aides at the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee helped recruit Sullivan Jr., a retired teacher from Petersburg, to enter the race. Reuters said it had not independently confirmed that reporting. Peltola said she knew nothing about any effort to place a second Sullivan on the ballot, and the committee has also denied involvement. Sullivan Jr. has denied coordinating with her campaign.

Alaska’s governor has also ordered a state inquiry. Courts kept Sullivan Jr. on the ballot after officials sought his removal.

Why Alaska matters

Alaska uses a top-four primary and ranked-choice general election, in which voters rank candidates in order of preference. The race is a national focus because it could affect Senate control. The federal intervention has drawn wider attention because US elections are administered by the states. Critics warn legal challenges risk confusing voters; supporters say examining the claims protects confidence in the result. Whether any law was broken remains a question for the courts. For more international news, visit Watan News International.