October 28, 2026 | SNN Newsroom
President Donald Trump called Wednesday for Democratic Senate candidate Mary Peltola to face criminal prosecution, escalating Alaska’s dispute over two candidates with the Sullivan name. The Associated Press reported that his remarks followed new reporting about efforts to recruit a namesake challenger to Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan.
What changed
According to ABC News, a New York Times investigation cited sources, messages and documents alleging that Peltola campaign personnel and Democratic advisers helped recruit Dan J. Sullivan. The reported objective was to confuse voters and potentially draw support away from the incumbent.
Peltola’s campaign denied involvement with either Sullivan campaign. The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee also denied involvement with Dan J. Sullivan, ABC reported. The allegations remain disputed.
Two names, separate legal questions
The AP reports that the second Sullivan previously denied contact with Peltola’s campaign.
ABC also reported an existing Justice Department criminal investigation and a separate administration lawsuit seeking to block certification if the incumbent narrowly loses. Trump’s demand for prosecution is not itself a criminal charge or a finding of guilt. Nor does his demand remove anyone from the ballot.
For voters, the practical issue is distinguishing the candidates. The AP reports that the incumbent is identified as Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan; the other candidate appears as Daniel J. Sullivan Jr., without a party affiliation.
Sources: Associated Press; ABC News. This is an independently written summary of their reporting.
