Justice Department Subpoenas Democrats in Alaska Senate Election Probe
Federal investigators issued new subpoenas and amended a civil suit after reports alleged a coordinated effort to confuse voters over two candidates named Dan Sullivan.
By Yasmin Nasser ·
The Justice Department has issued a new wave of subpoenas targeting Democratic officials in a criminal investigation into Alaska’s Senate race. The action follows a New York Times report detailing alleged efforts to recruit Daniel J. Sullivan, a retired teacher, to appear on the ballot alongside incumbent Republican Senator Dan Sullivan. No individuals have been charged with a crime in the matter.
A Justice Department official told reporters on Thursday that activity surrounding the investigation increased substantially in the 24 hours before the briefing. The department stated that internal emails and text messages obtained through the Times report may expand its ability to pursue criminal charges. These communications are historically difficult for investigators to secure without search warrants or voluntary cooperation from witnesses.
The federal government has identified two civil rights statutes as potential grounds for prosecution: 18 U.S.C. Sections 241 and 242. Section 241 prohibits conspiracies to interfere with federally protected rights, including voting rights. Section 242 addresses willful deprivation of rights under color of law. Prosecutors may examine whether a coordinated effort existed to trick voters into selecting the wrong candidate. The official cited the federal prosecution of Douglass Mackey, who was convicted in 2016 for posting misleading messages during the presidential election, though that conviction was overturned by a federal appeals court in 2025.
In parallel, the Justice Department amended its civil lawsuit filed by the Trump administration last week. The suit seeks to block Alaska from certifying election results if Senator Sullivan loses due to voter confusion. The amended filing adds details from the New York Times report and argues that the court must intervene under the Constitution’s Supremacy Clause. The complaint describes the situation as a conspiracy to undermine the integrity of the electoral process. The department noted that it does not yet have confirmed instances of Alaska voters mistakenly casting ballots for the wrong Dan Sullivan.
Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee and Mary Peltola’s campaign have denied any connection to the effort to place Daniel J. Sullivan on the ballot. Peltola is the Democratic challenger in the race. Daniel J. Sullivan has previously stated that he is genuinely interested in running for office. State election officials had previously challenged his candidacy, but the effort to keep him on the ballot continues.
Republican Governor Mike Dunleavy has ordered Alaska’s Department of Public Safety to examine whether the alleged recruitment effort violated state law. The governor’s office is determining whether criminal or civil action is warranted at the state level. Alaska officials have asked a federal judge to dismiss the federal civil lawsuit, arguing that election administration is a state responsibility.
President Trump has publicly called for both Peltola and Daniel J. Sullivan to be removed from the ballot. When asked about the Justice Department’s legal actions last week, the president said, “Well, I’m the one that said, ‘Do it.’”
