Alaska Senate Race Allegations Prompt Calls for State Investigation

Republican Representative Robert Garcia (D-Calif.) urged Alaskan officials to investigate reports that Democratic Senate candidate Mary Peltola’s campaign recruited her midterm opponent, former Congressman Daniel J. Sullivan, to dilute Republican incumbent Dan Sullivan’s vote share. The House Oversight Committee chair, Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.), announced a probe with hearings slated for early November and has summoned former Peltola campaign manager Elisa Rios and Democratic operative Jerid Kurtz to appear.

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The allegation stems from a report by The New York Times, which said Peltola aides and outside Democrats helped recruit Daniel J. Sullivan as a “spoiler” candidate in Alaska’s top-four, nonpartisan primary system. GOP strategists have noted that such “ballot stacking” is not illegal under Alaska law and is a common tactic in the state’s unique electoral framework. The controversy has drawn national attention, with former President Donald Trump publicly demanding that Peltola be barred from the Senate race and calling for prosecution of any wrongdoing.

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• Garcia emphasized that “I think there should be an investigation,” and noted that the alleged participants were reportedly dismissed from the Peltola campaign over the summer. He expressed confidence that the issue would not dominate Election Day.

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• Mary Peltola denied the allegations, asserting that no misconduct occurred.

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Former President Donald Trump used social media to argue that the Democrats “cheated” and called for legal action against those involved in the alleged recruitment. GOP strategists reiterated that while the practice may be politically contentious, it does not violate Alaska election statutes.

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• “Republicans andDonald Trumpshould certainly not be lecturing anybody on a fair election process. I think the state of Alaska should do its job,” — Rep. Robert Garcia

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• “I think there should be an investigation,” — Rep. Robert Garcia

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• “I think what’s important is it appears that whoever was involved in this was fired by the Peltola campaign over the summer. I think the state of Alaska should take any lead in investigations,” — Rep. Robert Garcia

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