Alaska DOJ official calls allegations about 2 Sullivans in Senate race troubling

Federal inquiry expands in Alaska

The Justice Department’s top prosecutor in Alaska described new reporting on the origins of Daniel J. Sullivan’s independent Senate campaign as troubling. He said the information led to a significant surge of law enforcement assets in the state.

Asked why the department was escalating its work before the election, Heyman said it was responding to a new article. He declined to discuss possible legal theories, saying investigators were determining whether a crime had occurred.

Candidates deny campaign involvement

Republicans have alleged Daniel J. Sullivan is a Democratic plant meant to confuse voters and aid Mary Peltola, the Democratic candidate, in a highly competitive Senate race. Peltola and national Democrats have strongly denied involvement in his campaign. On Thursday, Peltola said she was “not interested in tricking voters” and knew nothing about other candidates on the ballot beyond herself and the incumbent.

State ballot decision overturned

State election officials initially ruled Daniel J. Sullivan ineligible for the ballot, alleging a deliberate effort to confuse Alaska voters. State courts later reversed that decision.

Separate lawsuit targets certification

In a separate civil case, the Trump administration has sued to prevent Alaska from certifying the Senate race results if the Republican incumbent loses. The suit argues that voter confusion could affect the outcome.

The filing says Daniel J. Sullivan does not seek to serve in the Senate and alleges his candidacy will confuse voters.