The U.S. Justice Department has ramped up its investigation into the Alaska Senate race by issuing another series of grand jury subpoenas on Thursday.
Reports indicate that these subpoenas are aimed at obtaining documents and testimonies involving Daniel J. Sullivan Jr., a retired teacher who shares a name with the current Republican Senator, Dan S. Sullivan. Reports suggest that recipients include both Mary Peltola’s campaign and Sullivan’s, with over 40 subpoenas and records requests being sent out, alongside additional ones anticipated.
Investigation Focus
This ongoing investigation, active for several months, revolves around possible violations of federal law related to a coordinated effort to place a second Daniel Sullivan on the ballot, reportedly linked with Peltola’s campaign and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC).
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BREAKING: DOJ has issued 30+ subpoenas in the last 24 hours as part of criminal investigation into how Dan J. Sullivan appeared on the Alaska ballot and what potential coordination there was w/ the Peltola campaign, DOJ sources tell colleague @davidspunt
— Bill Melugin (@BillMelugin_) October 29, 2026
President Donald Trump has called for legal action against Peltola and her campaign. In a related move, the Justice Department is seeking a federal court order in Alaska to prevent certification of results if votes cast for Daniel J. Sullivan were meant for the incumbent.
Details of the Allegations
The recent subpoenas came after a New York Times report revealed that aides and lawyers involved with Peltola’s campaign, as well as DSCC officials, engaged in activities starting in 2025 that aimed to identify candidates who could siphon votes from Senator Sullivan.
The strategy, referred to as a “ballot composition project,” involved multiple players, including Peltola’s aides and attorneys. The report highlighted an effort to recruit a “decoy” candidate named Daniel Sullivan, who registered as a Republican shortly before filing to run.
Elisa Rios, a former Peltola campaign manager, stated that while Peltola was not directly involved in the initiative, she was certainly aware of it. However, Rios later attempted to retract her comments, despite the Times indicating that her account was consistent with other sources.
Democratic operative Jerid Kurtz, described as involved in these ballot-related efforts, reportedly traveled under a false identity in Alaska and was in contact with potential candidates, including Sullivan. Kurtz claimed Sullivan expressed willingness to run if it benefitted Peltola.
Both Peltola’s campaign and the DSCC have denied any involvement in the recruitment of Daniel J. Sullivan or other candidates.
