By Basant El-Faramawy
Federal prosecutors have escalated a criminal investigation into Alaska's U.S. Senate race, issuing new grand jury subpoenas amid controversy over a spoiler candidate sharing the Republican incumbent's name. President Donald Trump has called for the prosecution of Democratic candidate Mary Peltola and her campaign.
DOJ steps up probe
The Justice Department has been examining allegations for months that Dan J. Sullivan Jr. entered the race to siphon votes from incumbent Sen. Dan S. Sullivan. A person familiar with the matter said the subpoenas seek grand jury testimony or documents and were accompanied by records-preservation demands. More subpoenas are expected.
Trump demands Peltola prosecution
Trump earlier this week called for the criminal prosecution of Peltola and directed his Department of Justice to sue to block certification of the Senate race if she defeats the Republican senator. He later said Peltola "actually should be removed from the ballot and prosecuted" and cast doubt on whether she would be seated even if she wins.
Peltola denies involvement
Peltola denied on Thursday that she knew anything about the effort to recruit another candidate with the same name as the incumbent. "I just want to clear the air," she said in Juneau. "I knew nothing about any other candidate on the ballot except for me and the incumbent." She labeled the claims a distraction from issues like the cost of living.
State and federal reactions
Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy ordered an investigation into Peltola, citing "disturbing new evidence of an organized effort to manipulate Alaska's elections." Attorney General Todd Blanche accused Democrats of "cheating" but declined to discuss criminal investigations. Vice President JD Vance supported a probe into possible election fraud but did not explicitly call for prosecution.
Ballot confusion and legal history
Dan J. Sullivan Jr., a retired schoolteacher from Petersburg, was initially ruled ineligible for the primary ballot after a state official found his candidacy filed "with a purpose to confuse or mislead." The Alaska Supreme Court later ruled he was qualified to run. Ballots will identify "Dan S. Sullivan" as a registered Republican and incumbent, while "Daniel J. Sullivan Jr." will have no party affiliation.
Voter reactions
Some Alaskan voters expressed concern that the controversy gives ammunition to attack Peltola, while others said the claims have warmed them to Sen. Sullivan and led them to believe Peltola should drop out.
Broader context
Political parties often support extra candidates to pull votes from rivals, and legal experts say the federal government has no role in challenging results if state courts allow such candidates. A similar dynamic has appeared in Ohio's Senate race, where Republicans have been tied to an effort to boost a socialist candidate.
