Justice Department Sends 20 Letters in Alaska Senate Inquiry

An expanding federal investigation into an Alaska Senate campaign has reached Democratic political operatives and election lawyers, with the Justice Department sending 20 letters over the past week. Two people familiar with the matter said the notices warn recipients they could become investigation targets or instruct them to preserve relevant records. The inquiry centers on the recruitment of a candidate who shares the name of Republican Sen.

Dan Sullivan, who is seeking re-election against Democratic challenger Mary Peltola. The investigation has intensified in the days leading up to Election Day, an unusual development during a closely contested Senate race. According to one person familiar with the investigation, the Justice Department is examining potential donor fraud and conspiracy charges.

The source spoke anonymously because the investigation remains ongoing.

The letters went to approximately 20 Democrats, including Marc Elias, a prominent election attorney whose law firm has represented Peltola and other Democratic candidates. One of Elias's law partners and at least one official from the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee also received notifications, according to one of the people familiar with the matter.

Beyond the letters, federal investigators have issued approximately 100 subpoenas as part of the inquiry, one source said. Some requests were directed to telecommunications companies and email service providers, indicating that investigators are seeking relevant communications and records. The investigation has drawn political criticism from Democrats, who accuse the administration of using the Justice Department to pursue political objectives. They argue that recruiting candidates with names similar to political opponents is a familiar campaign tactic known as ballot stacking.

Democrats also contend that the practice is not explicitly prohibited under Alaska state law. The investigation is examining whether the recruitment effort involved conduct that could support federal donor fraud or conspiracy charges.