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Report alleges Peltola campaign and DSCC recruited second Dan Sullivan

A New York Times report alleges campaign staff and the DSCC took part in a monthslong effort to stack Alaska's Senate ballot; both deny involvement.

Updated Oct 29, 2026 · 06:29 UTC4 reports

The short version

  • A New York Times report alleges staff for Mary Peltola's campaign and the DSCC joined a monthslong effort to recruit candidates named Dan Sullivan.[The Washington Sun]
  • Both the DSCC and Peltola's campaign deny involvement, and Daniel J. Sullivan Jr. advanced to the November general election after placing third in the primary.[The Guardian · The Washington Sun]
  • Former campaign manager Elisa Rios reportedly said Peltola was not directly involved but was aware of the plan, then asked to retract those statements.[The Washington Sun]
  • President Trump has reportedly called for Peltola's prosecution, and the Justice Department has sued to block certification if Sen. Dan Sullivan loses.[CBS News · Associated Press · The Washington Sun]

Key facts

  • The New York Times reported that Peltola's campaign staff and the DSCC were involved in a monthslong effort to recruit candidates named Dan Sullivan.[The Washington Sun]
  • A Peltola campaign staffer told the Times they were asked last summer to find candidates named Dan Sullivan.[The Washington Sun]
  • Former campaign manager Elisa Rios said Peltola was not directly involved but was aware of the plan, and later asked to retract her statements.[The Washington Sun]
  • The DSCC and the Peltola campaign deny involvement with Daniel J. Sullivan.[The Guardian · The Washington Sun]
  • Daniel J. Sullivan Jr. placed third in the primary and advanced to the general election ballot.[The Washington Sun]
  • The Alaska Supreme Court ruled that Daniel J. Sullivan Jr. was qualified to run after a challenge to his eligibility.[Associated Press · The Washington Sun]
  • President Trump called for Peltola to be prosecuted, and the Justice Department sued the Alaska Division of Elections to block certification if Sen. Dan Sullivan loses.[CBS News · Associated Press · The Washington Sun]

What remains uncertain

  • Whether the Times account of recruitment is accurate remains disputed, as the Peltola campaign and the DSCC deny involvement.[The Guardian · CBS News · The Washington Sun]
  • Rios later asked to retract her statements, so the scope of her knowledge of the plan is unclear.[The Washington Sun]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.