Reported by:
Cherry Meigh Timbol
News Content Editor
Published October 30, 2026
The Justice Department has issued dozens of subpoenas and document-preservation requests in an expanding criminal investigation into an alleged effort to recruit a second candidate named Dan Sullivan to challenge Alaska’s Republican incumbent, raising new questions about possible election interference ahead of the November midterms.
The U.S. Department of Justice has significantly expanded its investigation into Alaska’s closely watched Senate race, issuing dozens of subpoenas targeting individuals and political organizations allegedly connected to an effort to place a second candidate named Dan Sullivan on the ballot.
According to reports published October 29, 2026, the subpoenas are part of a criminal investigation examining whether Democratic political operatives attempted to recruit Daniel J. Sullivan, a retired schoolteacher, to run against Republican incumbent Sen. Dan Sullivan in an effort to divert votes from the sitting senator.
Reuters reported that investigators had issued more than 40 subpoenas and document-preservation requests, with additional requests expected. The inquiries reportedly involve the campaigns of Democratic Senate candidate Mary Peltola and Daniel J. Sullivan.
The investigation intensified following a New York Times report detailing alleged recruitment efforts involving individuals associated with Peltola’s campaign, lawyers and senior aides connected to the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.
The report cited internal communications, including text messages and emails, that allegedly documented discussions about finding a candidate whose name could resemble that of the Republican incumbent and potentially influence the election outcome.
DOJ Examines Possible Federal Election Violations
Federal investigators are examining whether the alleged recruitment effort could constitute a conspiracy to interfere with voters’ federally protected rights.
During a Thursday briefing, a Justice Department official identified two federal civil rights statutes that prosecutors could potentially examine: 18 U.S.C. Sections 241 and 242.
Section 241 prohibits conspiracies to interfere with federally protected rights, including voting rights, while Section 242 addresses the willful deprivation of rights under color of law.
Investigators are also considering obtaining electronic communications, requesting records from technology companies and gathering testimony through grand jury subpoenas.
However, the Justice Department acknowledged that it was not aware of any confirmed cases in which Alaska voters had mistakenly voted for the wrong Dan Sullivan.
No criminal charges have been announced against anyone involved in the controversy.
Peltola Denies Involvement
Democratic Senate candidate Mary Peltola and her campaign have rejected allegations connecting them to the effort to recruit Daniel J. Sullivan.
Her campaign previously stated that it had no involvement with either Sullivan campaign. The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee also denied involvement with Daniel J. Sullivan.
Peltola has characterized the allegations as a political distraction and denied knowing about the recruitment effort, according to the Associated Press.
Daniel J. Sullivan, meanwhile, has previously maintained that his interest in running for the Senate was genuine.
Alaska Governor Orders Separate Investigation
The federal investigation is unfolding alongside a separate state-level inquiry ordered by Republican Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy.
Dunleavy directed the state’s Department of Public Safety to investigate whether the alleged recruitment operation violated Alaska election laws and whether criminal charges or civil action could be warranted.
The governor said the reported developments raised concerns about an organized effort to manipulate the state’s electoral process by recruiting candidates whose names could confuse voters.
He emphasized that anyone found to have violated the law should be held accountable.
The state’s investigation follows earlier scrutiny of Daniel J. Sullivan’s candidacy by election officials.
Although his candidacy was initially challenged, the Alaska Supreme Court ultimately allowed him to remain on the ballot.
Trump Administration Also Pursues Legal Action
The Justice Department’s criminal investigation is separate from a civil lawsuit filed by the Trump administration seeking to prevent Alaska from certifying the Senate election results under certain circumstances if Republican incumbent Dan Sullivan loses.
The federal government argues that the presence of another candidate with a similar name could create voter confusion and potentially undermine the election.
On Thursday, the Justice Department amended its lawsuit, incorporating details from the New York Times investigation and advancing additional arguments concerning an alleged conspiracy to undermine the electoral process.
Alaska officials have challenged the federal government’s intervention, arguing that administering elections is primarily a state responsibility.
President Donald Trump has publicly criticized Peltola and called for her prosecution over the allegations. Vice President JD Vance has also expressed support for investigating the matter.
The Senate contest is considered particularly significant because its outcome could help determine which party controls the chamber.
Alaska’s November 3 election will use ranked-choice voting.
The Justice Department’s investigation is continuing, with additional subpoenas and requests for records expected as federal authorities examine the communications and relationships surrounding the alleged recruitment effort.
