Alaska Senate race sabotage suspect sought
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Federal investigators in Alaska subpoenaed records in the race where a retired teacher named Dan Sullivan challenges the incumbent senator of the same name. The probe examines whether the challenger.
Background
In Alaska's U.S. Senate race, a retired teacher named Dan Sullivan is running against the incumbent Republican Senator Dan Sullivan. Republicans, including President Trump, accuse the challenger of being a Democratic plant to siphon votes from the incumbent, potentially helping Democrat Mary Peltola. The primary on Tuesday will advance the top four candidates regardless of party to the general election.
How it unfolded
- late May 2026Dan Sullivan, a retired teacher from Petersburg, announced he would run for Senate as a Republican, angering national Republicans who saw him as a spoiler.
- Jun 29, 2026Republicans' legal efforts to keep the challenger off the ballot failed; both Dan Sullivans would appear on the primary ballot.
- Aug 15, 2026The Hill reported the race was tightening, with national Republicans increasing spending to back the incumbent.
- Aug 16, 2026President Trump accused Democrats of 'trickery' over the candidate with the same name, urging voters to support 'SULLIVAN, DAN S.'
- Aug 18, 2026The Justice Department issued grand jury subpoenas in the federal investigation into whether the challenger entered the race to confuse voters. Alaska's primary was held on this day.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- The Justice Department is investigating whether the challenger entered the race to confuse voters and steal votes from the incumbent.
- Party
- President Trump and national Republicans accuse Democrats of 'trickery' by fielding a candidate with the same name to divide Republican votes.
- Support
- The challenger Dan Sullivan denies any subterfuge, but has said little and done very little campaigning.
Still unverified
The accusation that the challenger is a Democratic plant is unproven; the challenger denies it. The investigation is ongoing, and no charges have been filed.