The Brownstone Brief | October 29, 2026
Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy has ordered the state’s Department of Public Safety to investigate allegations that people connected with Democratic Senate candidate Mary Peltola’s campaign sought to recruit a candidate with a name resembling that of Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan.
The order followed reporting about retired teacher Daniel J. Sullivan, whose name appears on the same Senate ballot. Peltola’s campaign and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee deny any involvement in recruiting the second Sullivan.
UPDATE — October 29, 2026: DOJ issues new grand jury subpoenas
The U.S. Justice Department has issued new grand jury subpoenas seeking testimony or documents, along with demands to preserve records, as part of its ongoing criminal investigation into allegations surrounding Alaska’s Senate ballot, according to the Associated Press. The AP cited a person familiar with the investigation who spoke anonymously because they were not authorized to discuss it publicly. The number and recipients of the subpoenas have not been disclosed, and the potential targets remain unclear.
The reported subpoenas follow allegations that people connected to Democratic candidate Mary Peltola’s campaign helped recruit Daniel J. Sullivan Jr., a separate candidate whose name resembles that of incumbent Republican Sen. Dan S. Sullivan, potentially to divide the incumbent’s support. Peltola has denied wrongdoing and called the controversy a distraction. Daniel J. Sullivan Jr. has said he had no contact with her campaign.
Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy separately ordered a state investigation. The Alaska Supreme Court previously determined that the additional Sullivan was qualified to appear on the ballot. The Justice Department has also pursued a separate civil election-certification lawsuit. These proceedings should not be confused: grand jury subpoenas are investigative demands, not criminal charges or proof of misconduct.
Why this update matters: The new subpoenas represent a reported escalation of federal investigative activity shortly before the November 3 election. Whether any laws were broken remains undetermined.
Updated reporting: Associated Press, October 29, 2026; Washington Post, October 29, 2026.
Earlier developments
The Alaska Supreme Court previously allowed Daniel J. Sullivan’s candidacy to remain on the ballot. The Justice Department has also brought a separate lawsuit over possible certification of the election if voter confusion affects the result. A newly ordered investigation does not establish criminal or civil liability.
What it means for our Neighbors
Voters should be able to identify the candidates they intend to support, and allegations about election misconduct require evidence and due process. We will follow court filings and investigative outcomes rather than treating allegations as proven.
Sources
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