Federal and state prosecutors are examining whether a Republican primary challenger named Dan J. Sullivan coordinated with Democrats to exploit his identical name to the incumbent senator, Dan S. Sullivan, and siphon votes away in Alaska's crucial 2024 Senate race.
The FBI, Alaska attorney general's office, and U.S. attorney's office in Alaska are all investigating potential conspiracy charges. Investigators are looking at whether multiple people worked together to launch the challenger's campaign with the specific intent to confuse voters, damage the sitting senator, and help Democratic candidate Mary Peltola, according to sources familiar with the probes.
Dan J. Sullivan, a former teacher, entered the race in May as a Republican. He insists his campaign is genuine and that he intends to defeat the incumbent. But Senator Dan S. Sullivan and GOP allies have accused him of being a spoiler candidate designed to split Republican votes. The Alaska Supreme Court cleared him for the August primary ballot this week, overturning the state elections division's initial disqualification.
The state elections director had argued that Dan J. Sullivan filed his candidacy "with a purpose to confuse or mislead" voters. Now the dual investigations are examining whether that was the actual design, and whether it involved coordination with Peltola's campaign or the state Democratic Party.
The federal investigators are specifically looking at possible wire fraud charges and violations of civil rights law related to depriving voters of a free and fair election. The state inquiry began before federal authorities became involved, focusing on potential violations of Alaska law.
Peltola's campaign denied any involvement. Harry Child, her spokesman, said the campaign has no connection to either Sullivan and that Peltola is focused on reducing costs for Alaskans. Dan J. Sullivan told the Associated Press he has had no coordination or contact with Peltola's team, state Democrats, or national Democratic strategists.
Alaska's Senate contest is shaping up as a potential pivot point in the broader fight for chamber control. Democrats need to flip four seats nationally to win the majority, and they have made Peltola a top recruit, viewing her as a strong challenger despite Alaska voting for President Donald Trump by 13 points in the last election.
The race operates under unique rules. The August primary will advance the top four vote-getters to the November general election regardless of party affiliation. The general election will then be decided by ranked-choice voting, creating multiple strategic possibilities if all three candidates advance.
It remains unclear who might face charges or whether any prosecutions would affect the election timeline. U.S. Attorney Michael Hyman was appointed by the Trump administration, while acting Alaska Attorney General Cori Mills was appointed by Republican Gov. Mike Dunleavy. Neither office responded to requests for comment.
Senator Sullivan's campaign declined to comment on the investigations. Dan J. Sullivan's campaign did not respond to inquiries.
Author Sarah Mitchell: "The irony of Alaska's alphabet-soup investigation is that it might not matter who wins the state's version of three-way Russian roulette by November."
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