U.S. Attorney for the District of Alaska, Michael J. Heyman, announced that a federal criminal inquiry is active concerning an alleged scheme involving the candidacy of Dan J. Sullivan alongside incumbent Republican Senator Dan S. Sullivan.
This investigation, running for several months, intensified this week as law enforcement resources were directed to Alaska following reports suggesting that Democratic candidate Mary Peltola’s campaign may have had ties to recruitment efforts concerning the second Sullivan.
Heyman remarked, “When credible information comes out, we are committed to pursuing that information to deceive voters, and we will act on it. We are acting on it intensely and swiftly.” He did not disclose specific crimes or targets and urged the public to come forward with information.
The investigation has unfolded quietly over the months, with authorities analyzing whether any illegal conduct occurred without presuming wrongdoing. Heyman emphasized the significance of the allegations concerning election integrity, given the upcoming November 3 election.
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BREAKING: Alaska US Attorney just walked out and announced a SURGE in law enforcement descending on the Democrat scandal to place a fake Dan Sullivan on the US Senate ballot, involving Mary Peltola (D)'s operatives
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This week, federal prosecutors issued multiple grand jury subpoenas and records preservation requests directed at Peltola’s campaign and those linked to Dan J. Sullivan, according to sources familiar with the situation. During a campaign event in Juneau, Peltola asserted ignorance regarding any recruitment efforts: “I just want to clear the air,” she stated. “I knew nothing about any other candidate on the ballot except for me and the incumbent.”
The investigation focuses on claims that aligned operatives connected to Peltola’s campaign and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee sought to identify and promote additional candidates, including one sharing the incumbent’s name, to help shape the Senate race. Alaska’s election structure promotes the top four primary finishers to a general election decided by ranked-choice voting. The ballot features Mary Peltola (Registered Democrat), Daniel J. Sullivan Jr., Dan S. Sullivan (Registered Republican) Incumbent, and Gerald L. Heikes (Registered Republican).
In a related matter, Republican Governor Mike Dunleavy directed the Department of Public Safety to investigate whether the reported activities breached Alaska law and if criminal or civil measures should be taken. Additionally, the Justice Department filed a civil lawsuit aimed at halting the certification of election results should Senator Dan S. Sullivan lose by a margin possibly influenced by confusion between the two candidates.
Peltola’s campaign and the DSCC have denied taking part in any recruitment efforts and, in recent court documents, dismissed the related allegations as a distraction without legal relevance.
Reports have emerged stating that Peltola campaign staff and high-ranking DSCC aides were involved in initiatives, starting in 2025, aimed at recruiting potential candidates who could erode support for the incumbent. Insights were drawn from interviews, text messages, and documents prepared for a potential lawsuit.
Former campaign manager Elisa Rios disclosed to the Times that while Peltola was not directly involved, she was “definitely aware.” Rios later attempted to retract her comments, although the publication maintained that her narrative aligned with other testimonies and evidence.
The investigation remains ongoing at both state and federal levels.
