The FBI has begun interviewing donors in Petersburg, Alaska, as part of a criminal investigation into allegations of "ballot stacking" in the state's closely watched Senate race. The tactic involves recruiting nominal candidates to draw votes away from a major contender.
Federal agents have been questioning individuals who donated to the campaign of Dan J. Sullivan, a former elementary school teacher who shares a name with incumbent Republican Senator Dan S. Sullivan. The probe has turned an ominous corner as the Trump administration considers criminal charges.
Senator Sullivan is facing a significant challenge from Democrat Mary Peltola, and the race could impact control of the Senate. While Peltola has denied any involvement in the alleged scheme, a New York Times article linked a group supporting her campaign to a Democratic operative attempting to recruit decoy candidates. "This is Alaska. We’re not in the business of tricking each other up here," Peltola stated at a recent rally.
Dan J. Sullivan's candidacy initially drew scrutiny in June when the Alaska Division of Elections attempted to remove him from the primary ballot, arguing he had not filed in "good faith." State courts overturned this decision. State officials are identifying Senator Sullivan on the ballot as a Republican and the incumbent to prevent voter confusion.
Dan J. Sullivan has maintained he entered the race independently and had no contact with Peltola's campaign. "Zero, none, zilch," he told The Associated Press in June. When asked if Democratic operatives had contacted him, he responded, "No."
A federal lawsuit filed by the Trump administration to challenge the former teacher's candidacy and potentially block the election results was dismissed Sunday by a federal judge. The Justice Department has since appealed.
Efforts to reach Dan J. Sullivan have been unsuccessful, and many of his donors report not having spoken with him recently. Senator Sullivan has been using the controversy in his campaign, humorously telling trick-or-treaters, "My costume is the real Dan Sullivan – not the fake guy."
Petersburg, a fishing community of 3,000 known as "Little Norway," has become the center of media attention and the federal investigation. Residents interviewed generally spoke highly of Dan J. Sullivan, describing him as a former teacher and community contributor. Some donors, like Sharon Hunter and Ed Wood, contributed to his campaign as a way to support him personally or for his past activism.
However, not all residents support Dan J. Sullivan's candidacy. Amanda Ohmer expressed dismay, believing him to be a liberal who attended anti-Trump protests, and supports the federal investigation, calling the tactic "sleazy."
Alaska's electoral system, with its open primary and ranked-choice voting, combined with a large independent voter base, has historically made it susceptible to such tactics. The state has seen similar instances, such as a case in 2024 involving a candidate with no ties to the state running for a U.S. House seat.