Democrats' secret effort to stack Alaska ballot
The gist
The New York Times reported Peltola aides worked to recruit a second Dan Sullivan for Alaska's Senate ballot.
The race could decide Senate control, and the campaign denies recruiting anyone.
How it unfolded
- Summer 2025A Peltola staff member was told by top campaign aides to find as many Alaskans named Dan Sullivan as possible, and the "ballot composition project" began; DSCC aides introduced operative Jerid Kurtz to Elisa Rios and Anton McParland.
- Early 2026Kurtz said on a video call with the ballot composition team that he had contacted a Dan Sullivan in Petersburg who was open to running if it would help Peltola.
- January 2026Campaign manager Anton McParland floated a "MAGA party" idea by text to DSCC campaign director Andrew Piatt, who replied "Smart. Let's see."; the idea fizzled.