Juneau, Alaska — Mary Peltola, the Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate in Alaska, told supporters Thursday that she is “not interested in tricking voters” after facing two days of pointed questions about how a man sharing her Republican opponent’s first and last name came to appear on the ballot.
The closely contested Senate race has attracted national attention since The New York Times reported Thursday that operatives connected to Peltola’s campaign helped recruit Daniel J. Sullivan, who has the same first and last name as Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan. The Justice Department has filed a lawsuit seeking to potentially block certification of the election if the senator loses because of “voter confusion.” The department has also issued subpoenas as part of a separate criminal investigation.
Speaking at a rally in Alaska’s capital, Juneau, Peltola gave her most extensive public response to the controversy, denying that she had any involvement with Daniel J. Sullivan.
“I just want to clear the air. I knew nothing about any other candidates on the ballot except for me and the incumbent. That is all I have ever known about. I am not interested in tricking voters. I know I can beat Dan Sullivan,” she told supporters.
Peltola also condemned what she described as a barrage of “smears and attacks.”
“I just feel like I’m dodging bullets left and right, you know? Just, you know, with all the nonsense,” said Peltola, who previously served in the House. “And when did The New York Times become the National Enquirer? Inquiring minds want to know.”
She told supporters that her campaign would remain focused on “affordability, affordability, affordability.”
Daniel J. Sullivan’s appearance on the ballot has angered Republicans for months. Sen. Sullivan has called him a “sham candidate” designed to confuse voters and draw support away from the Republican incumbent. Daniel J. Sullivan, a retired teacher, has previously rejected those claims and said he is genuinely interested in seeking office.
Alaska state courts allowed Daniel J. Sullivan to remain on the ballot. The Justice Department filed its lawsuit last week, asking a federal court to step in.
Then, The Times detailed the alleged effort by Democratic operatives to place additional candidates on Alaska’s ballot, including Daniel J. Sullivan. The newspaper cited a former Peltola campaign manager and text messages it reviewed. Representatives for the Peltola campaign and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee denied having any role in recruiting him.
President Trump responded angrily, arguing that both Peltola and Daniel J. Sullivan should be removed from the ballot and prosecuted. “The Democrats cheated!” he said.
Alongside the Justice Department investigation, Alaska Republican Gov. Mike Dunleavy ordered a separate inquiry into “whether this scheme violated Alaska’s laws and whether criminal charges or civil action are warranted.” In a later interview, he said the investigation could affect whether a winner is certified in next week’s Senate race.
A spokesperson for the Peltola campaign responded: “Dunleavy’s threat to overrule the will of Alaskan voters exemplifies what Alaskans hate about partisan politics and shows why he’s the least popular governor in the country. Mary won’t be intimidated by Dunleavy, Sullivan, or any of their DC allies who are trying to steal this election from Alaskans before votes are counted.”
