The FBI is intensifying its criminal investigation into the "decoy" candidate controversy surrounding Alaska's U.S. Senate race, with agents interviewing the former campaign manager for Democratic candidate Mary Peltola on Election Day. The probe is proceeding at "full speed" as votes are still being counted in the closely contested election, according to sources familiar with the investigation.
The inquiry centers on allegations that a second candidate named Dan Sullivan was recruited to confuse voters and draw support away from the Republican incumbent, Senator Dan Sullivan. The incumbent's campaign has labeled the situation "the biggest election cheating scandal in the history of Alaska."
Elisa Rios, identified as Peltola's ex-campaign manager, was approached by the FBI in Chicago. Sources told the Daily Mail that Rios was allegedly involved in the recruitment of the "decoy" Dan Sullivan. Peltola has denied any knowledge of or involvement in such a scheme. She told The New York Times that she "knew nothing" about the plot, though Rios reportedly told the Times that Peltola was "aware" of the plan. Rios has since stated she is unwilling to be a source for any story.
Peltola currently holds a narrow lead over Senator Sullivan by less than 700 votes, with approximately 75 percent of precincts reporting. The final outcome could take weeks to determine due to Alaska's vast rural areas and the complexities of vote tabulation. The presence of the "decoy" Dan Sullivan, who has attracted around 3,500 votes, makes his candidacy potentially pivotal in the race.
Earlier reports from The New York Times, citing multiple sources and internal campaign documents, alleged that operatives aligned with Peltola's campaign and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) were involved in recruiting the second Dan Sullivan under the internal project name "ballot composition project." Both Peltola's campaign and the DSCC have denied these allegations.
Separately, a lawsuit filed by the Justice Department seeking to block the certification of election results if Senator Sullivan lost was dismissed by a U.S. District Judge. The Trump administration had argued that the "Decoy Dan" was a "frivolous candidate to confuse voters," but the judge ruled the administration lacked standing. The Justice Department has appealed this ruling.
A House Oversight Committee investigation is also underway, with investigators requesting an interview with Rios. The committee warned that compulsory process might be considered if she did not voluntarily appear. Rios' attorney and lawyers for the second Dan Sullivan are reportedly in communication with the committee.
The second Dan Sullivan has stated he entered the race independently and had no contact with Peltola's campaign. However, he reportedly left his hometown two days before the New York Times report was published and has not been located since.
With the race still undecided, both Peltola and Senator Sullivan have expressed confidence in their potential to win. The uncertainty surrounding the election continues as the vote count progresses and the federal investigation unfolds.