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NewsWPLG Local 10October 29, 2026Miami-Dade County

Justice Department issues new subpoenas in Alaska Senate candidate spoiler controversy

Photo: WPLG Local 10

The U.S. Justice Department has issued new grand jury subpoenas and records preservation demands as part of a criminal investigation into the Alaska Senate campaign of Mary Peltola. The inquiry centers on allegations that Peltola's campaign was involved in recruiting a candidate named Daniel J. Sullivan Jr. to run against incumbent Republican Sen. Dan S. Sullivan in order to confuse voters. Meanwhile, Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy has ordered a state investigation into the matter.

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Why It Matters

Federal and state investigations are probing allegations of voter manipulation in a high-stakes U.S. Senate race that could impact control of the chamber.

Key Facts

  • The U.S. Justice Department has issued new grand jury subpoenas and records preservation demands in a criminal investigation regarding an Alaska Senate race.
  • The investigation focuses on whether Democratic candidate Mary Peltola's campaign recruited Daniel J. Sullivan Jr. to run in order to siphon votes from Republican incumbent Dan S. Sullivan.
  • Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy ordered a state investigation into the allegations following media reports.
  • President Donald Trump called for the criminal prosecution of Mary Peltola and her campaign.
  • Vice President JD Vance stated his support for an investigation into possible election fraud regarding the candidate situation.
  • The Alaska Supreme Court previously ruled that Daniel J. Sullivan Jr. was qualified to appear on the primary ballot after a state official initially ruled him ineligible.
  • Daniel J. Sullivan Jr. has denied having any contact with Peltola's campaign or running at Democrats' behest.
  • Mary Peltola dismissed the claims and reporting as a "distraction" from other political issues.

Who's Mentioned

PersonJD Vance“Vice President who supported an election fraud probe”PersonMike Dunleavy“Republican Governor of Alaska who ordered an investigation”OrganizationJustice Department“Conducting a criminal investigation and issuing grand jury subpoenas”locationOhio“State where Republicans have been tied to boosting a socialist candidate on the ”PersonDan J. Sullivan Jr.“Senate candidate sharing a name with the incumbent”locationAlaska“State where the Senate race and candidate controversy are taking place”PersonMary Peltola“Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate in Alaska and former congresswoman”PersonJon Husted“U.S. Senator challenged by a Democrat in Ohio”locationIran“Mentioned in relation to Sen. Sullivan's support of the war”locationTexas“Location of Vice President's campaign trip”PersonDarline Graham“GOP Senator”OrganizationAlaska Supreme Court“Ruled that Daniel J. Sullivan Jr. was qualified to run”PersonMeg Kinnard“Associated Press writer”locationSoldotna“Location of Peltola's campaign stop”PersonDonald Trump“President of the United States who called for criminal prosecution”PersonDan Sullivan“Republican incumbent U.S. Senator”locationPetersburg“Small fishing community where Daniel J. Sullivan Jr. resides”PersonSeung Min Kim“Associated Press writer”OrganizationThe New York Times“Reported on the alleged involvement of Peltola's campaign in recruiting a spoile”