Peltola Denies Recruit Role as Federal and State Probes Target Alaska Ballot Dispute
The Justice Department has sued to remove a rival from the ballot, while the governor threatens to halt certification if irregularities are found.
By Alexei Brooks ·
Democratic Senate candidate Mary Peltola clashed with her Republican opponent over the presence of a second Daniel Sullivan on the Alaska ballot, asserting she had no role in the retired teacher’s candidacy. The dispute has escalated into a legal and political battle that could determine whether the state’s election results are certified next week.
The conflict centers on a man named Daniel J. Sullivan, whose name matches incumbent Senator Dan Sullivan. The New York Times reported that operatives linked to Peltola’s campaign helped recruit the challenger, citing text messages and a former campaign manager. Peltola and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee denied the account, stating they did not hand in the candidate.
In a rally in Juneau on Thursday, Peltola addressed the crowd directly. She stated, “I knew nothing about any other candidates on the ballot except for me and the incumbent.” She added that she was not interested in tricking voters and expressed confidence that she could beat the incumbent senator.
Senator Sullivan, who calls the challenger a “sham candidate” designed to siphon votes, has faced intense scrutiny. The Justice Department filed suit last week, asking a federal court to remove the challenger from the ballot if the senator loses due to voter confusion. The department also issued subpoenas in a separate criminal probe.
State officials have moved to protect the election’s integrity. Governor Mike Dunleavy ordered a probe into whether the candidacy violated state laws. He indicated that the findings could impact whether the winner is certified in next week’s race. A Peltola spokesperson called the governor’s threat an example of partisan politics, asserting that the candidate would not be intimidated.
The stakes are high as the race remains a toss-up. Peltola vowed to keep her focus on affordability, dismissing the controversy as “smears and attacks.” She told supporters she was “dodging bullets left and right” and questioned the media’s focus on the dispute.
Daniel J. Sullivan has maintained that he is genuinely interested in running for office. State courts previously allowed him to remain on the ballot, but federal intervention now looms as the deadline for the election approaches.
