By Sohaib Shams
The Justice Department has sent target letters to a top Democratic election lawyer and other Democrats informing them they could be targets in a federal investigation into an alleged scheme to place a candidate with the same name as Republican Senator Daniel Sullivan on the Alaska ballot.
Investigation Details
A federal grand jury in Alaska is examining potential conspiracy and donor fraud related to efforts to recruit Daniel J. Sullivan, a retired schoolteacher, to run in the Senate race. The New York Times and ABC News reported the investigation accelerated after a story revealing allies of Democratic Representative Mary Peltola were behind the effort to confuse voters.
Key Figures Respond
Marc Elias, a prominent Democratic election lawyer whose firm was reportedly involved, confirmed receiving a target letter and said the department has “zero evidence of wrongdoing.” Elias accused the Trump administration of weaponizing the DOJ against political enemies. Peltola and her campaign denied any involvement.
Unusual Timing and Norms
The decision to send target letters so close to Election Day breaks longstanding Justice Department norms against taking actions that could affect an election. The department has also abandoned other norms this year, including pressuring states on ballot counting and raiding the home of Representative Ilhan Omar.
