Investigation Ordered in Alaska’s U.S. Senate Race

Alaska’s governor initiated an investigation following a New York Times article about the state’s U.S. Senate race. This election might influence party control in the Senate next year. The report discussed Democratic campaign efforts to recruit a candidate perceived as a spoiler, potentially confusing voters and drawing support from the Republican incumbent, Dan Sullivan. Both candidates share the name Dan Sullivan.

NPR has not independently confirmed the report, yet it has stirred the Senate race days before Election Day. Mary Peltola, a Democrat and former congresswoman, aims to take the seat for her party. The Times based its story on conversations among Peltola’s legal team, advisers, and Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee officials. Despite this, Democrats deny involvement in the other Sullivan’s candidacy. Both the Peltola campaign and the DSCC reiterated these denials post-publication.

Peltola referred to the story as a distraction during a campaign event, as reported by Alaska Public Media. The other Sullivan hasn’t replied to the same outlet’s request for comment but has previously stated his candidacy was self-decided. Peltola addressed supporters during an election watch party in Anchorage on August 18.

Republicans have leveraged the news. Nate Adams, a spokesman for Sen. Sullivan, accused Peltola’s campaign of misleading Alaskans. President Trump labeled it “Voter Fraud at the Highest Level” in an online post. Trump’s Justice Department had already intervened, asking courts to delay certification if the incumbent Sullivan narrowly loses, citing voter confusion due to the second Sullivan on the ballot.

Experts criticized the DOJ’s case as weak, partly since the Constitution delegates election control to states.

State officials had already examined the Sullivan candidacies. The Alaska Supreme Court ruled that the non-incumbent Sullivan could be on the general election ballot. Following the Times article, Justice Department officials said it broadens their investigation options. They filed an amended complaint using the new details.

Governor Mike Dunleavy declared an investigation by the state’s Department of Public Safety into potential legal violations on Wednesday night. It remains uncertain what laws, if any, were breached. Political trickery is common, notes Elaine Kamarck of the Brookings Institution, highlighting challenges in creating laws against it.

At times, major-party advisors support third-party candidates to weaken rival candidates. Some Alaska residents compared this with Republican backing for a New York Democrat in Alaska’s U.S. House ballot. The non-incumbent Sullivan advanced to the general election after a nonpartisan primary, sending the top four vote-getters onward.

Alaska Public Media reported mixed local reactions to the Times story, with some residents annoyed by the diversion from other issues and others doubtful about voter confusion. The ballot clarifies the Republican incumbent, Dan Sullivan. Experts suggest news surrounding the second Sullivan might minimize voter confusion. Moreover, Alaska’s ranked-choice voting permits ranking both Sullivans while excluding Peltola. The general election ballot also questions retaining Alaska’s election system.