RNC Accuses Democrats of Election Fraud in Alaska Senate Race Scheme
The Republican National Committee rejected claims of similar tactics by both parties, labeling the Alaska ballot situation as fraudulent and driven by ill intent.
The Republican National Committee (RNC) has rejected the notion that both political parties engage in similar tactics, calling a scheme involving a second "Dan Sullivan" on Alaska's Senate ballot fraudulent. The RNC contends that Democratic-linked efforts to place a retired teacher of the same name on the ballot were intended to confuse voters and disenfranchise them.
"No, both sides of the aisle don’t do this," Ally Triolo, RNC election integrity communications director, told Fox News Digital. "Our entire effort here at the RNC is securing elections, making them fair and free and honest." Triolo stated that Republican efforts are focused on election security, contrasting them with what she described as Democrats' attempts to be fraudulent and their consistent votes against "common sense safeguards."
According to a New York Times report, the campaign of Senate nominee Mary Peltola, along with aides from the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC), reportedly worked to place Dan J. Sullivan on the ballot. Republicans have alleged this was a ploy to sway or confuse voters and take votes away from the incumbent, Sen. Dan Sullivan.
"This is fraudulent behavior, and they need to be held accountable to the fullest extent," Triolo added. She characterized the effort as a Democratic scheme to disenfranchise voters and cheat the system, suggesting that Democrats oppose election integrity measures because they cannot win when safeguards are in place.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has intervened, filing a lawsuit to delay the certification of Alaska's Senate election results. The DOJ is investigating potential civil-rights violations under 18 U.S.C. §§ 241 and 242. Sources told Fox News that an aggressive criminal investigation is underway, examining the appearance of Daniel J. Sullivan Jr. on the ballot. The investigation, led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Alaska, is expected to continue beyond Election Day, with no indictments or grand jury activity anticipated before then.
Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy has also initiated a state investigation. While Peltola's campaign and DSCC officials have denied involvement in recruiting the second Sullivan to confuse voters, they have issued warnings that spoiler candidates can be put up by either party. The Alaska Supreme Court previously ruled that the second Dan Sullivan could remain on the ballot under state law.
The RNC has stated it is heavily invested in protecting the vote in Alaska, educating voters about the scheme. Former President Donald Trump has called for Mary Peltola and those involved with the "fake Dan Sullivan" to be held accountable for lying about their affiliation with the scheme and attempting to deceive voters.
Vice President JD Vance suggested authorities should investigate whether Peltola committed election fraud, describing the action as an attempt to "steal a Senate seat." Senate Majority Leader John Thune called it a "coordinated effort" and "totally dirty pool."