WASHINGTON —
A legal and political battle is unfolding in Alaska’s Senate race as two candidates named Dan Sullivan appear on the ballot. It has sparked accusations of voter confusion and election fraud.
One Dan Sullivan is the incumbent Republican senator and ally of President Donald Trump. The other Dan Sullivan is running without party affiliation.
Republicans, including Trump, have accused the campaign of Democratic candidate Mary Peltola of recruiting the undeclared Dan Sullivan to purposely confuse voters and siphon votes away from the Republican Dan Sullivan, following a New York Times report alleging such actions.
Peltola has called the report a “distraction” and a “diversion.”
Attempts to siphon votes from one candidate are not illegal. The controversial method, known as ballot stacking, is common in U.S. politics.
Alaska’s governor has ordered an investigation into the matter. Trump has called for criminal prosecution against Peltola and her campaign, and accused her of election fraud.
On Thursday, the Associated Press reported that the Justice Department (DOJ) escalated a criminal investigation over the matter, including issuing grand jury subpoenas.
Trump previously said he directed the DOJ to sue to block Alaska from certifying the election if the Republican Dan Sullivan loses.
The race results could help determine which party controls the Senate, highlighting the high stakes of the election.