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NewsWPLG Local 10 – Main FeedOctober 29, 2026Miami-Dade County

Justice Department issues grand jury subpoenas in Alaska Senate candidate investigation

Photo: WPLG Local 10 – Main Feed

The Justice Department has escalated a criminal investigation into allegations that Democratic candidate Mary Peltola’s campaign recruited a spoiler candidate with the same name as Republican incumbent Sen. Dan Sullivan, issuing a raft of new grand jury subpoenas and records preservation demands. The probe follows a media report detailing efforts to coax Daniel J. Sullivan Jr. into the race to confuse voters, drawing calls for prosecution from President Donald Trump and support for an investigation from Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy. Peltola has dismissed the allegations as a distraction, while the Alaska Supreme Court previously ruled that the second Sullivan was qualified to appear on the ballot.

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Why It Matters

Federal prosecutors are actively gathering evidence in a high-profile Senate race that could impact control of the chamber, as political figures debate the boundaries of campaign tactics and election integrity.

Key Facts

  • The Justice Department issued a new round of grand jury subpoenas, document requests, and records preservation demands regarding the Alaska Senate race.
  • The investigation focuses on allegations that Democratic candidate Mary Peltola’s campaign recruited Dan J. Sullivan Jr. to run in order to siphon votes from Republican incumbent Sen. Dan S. Sullivan.
  • President Donald Trump called for the criminal prosecution of Mary Peltola and her campaign in connection with the candidate recruitment allegations.
  • Attorney General Todd Blanche accused Democrats of cheating by putting up a candidate with the same name to take votes away from the incumbent.
  • Republican Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy ordered a separate state investigation into Peltola, citing disturbing evidence of an organized effort to manipulate elections.
  • Dan J. Sullivan Jr. has denied having any contact with Peltola's campaign or being recruited to run.
  • The Alaska Supreme Court previously ruled that Daniel J. Sullivan Jr. was qualified to appear on the primary ballot after a lower state ruling found his candidacy aimed to confuse voters.
  • On ballots, Dan S. Sullivan is identified as a registered Republican and incumbent, while Daniel J. Sullivan Jr. appears without a party affiliation.
  • Mary Peltola dismissed the allegations as a distraction orchestrated by political opponents facing criticism over the cost of living.
  • Vice President JD Vance supported an investigation into possible election fraud, stating the situation involves putting a fraudulent person on the ballot to steal a Senate seat.

Who's Mentioned

locationSouth Carolina“State where the president held a rally”PersonJD Vance“Vice President of the United States”PersonMike Dunleavy“Republican Governor of Alaska”PersonDaniel J. Sullivan Jr.“Retired schoolteacher in Petersburg”locationOhio“State with a Senate race involving a third-party candidate effort”PersonDan J. Sullivan Jr.“Senate candidate sharing a name with the incumbent”locationAlaska“State where the Senate race and investigation are taking place”PersonMary Peltola“Democratic candidate for the Senate”PersonJon Husted“U.S. Senator facing a challenger in Ohio”OrganizationFox News“Network where the Attorney General gave an interview”locationTexas“State visited for a campaign trip by the vice president”PersonDarline Graham“GOP Senator”OrganizationAlaska Supreme Court“Court that ruled the second candidate was qualified to run”PersonTodd Blanche“Attorney General”PersonMeg Kinnard“Associated Press writer”PersonDonald Trump“President of the United States”OrganizationThe Associated Press“News agency reporting on the subpoenas”PersonDan Sullivan“Republican incumbent U.S. Senator”locationPetersburg“Small fishing community in Alaska”PersonSeung Min Kim“Associated Press writer”OrganizationThe New York Times“Newspaper that reported on the campaign's alleged involvement”