The Justice Department has begun issuing dozens of subpoenas connected to an alleged Democratic plan to stack the Senate ballot in Alaska, according to two officials familiar with the investigation. The probe targets efforts by operatives aligned with Democratic Senate candidate Mary Peltola to recruit candidates who share the name of her Republican opponent, incumbent Senator Dan S. Sullivan, in an attempt to siphon votes.
Speaking at a fundraiser in Juneau, Ms. Peltola denied any awareness or involvement in the candidate recruitment scheme. “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,” she said.
The investigation in Alaska coincides with a broader federal inquiry in California, where grand jury subpoenas have been issued to local election officials as part of an effort to investigate unsubstantiated claims regarding noncitizen voter registrations.
The controversy underscores a tense electoral landscape as parties battle for control of the Senate. In South Carolina, the Senate Majority PAC announced a $750,000 investment into the state’s Senate race following a recent poll showing Democratic challenger Dr. Annie Andrews effectively tied with Republican incumbent Senator Darline Graham. Ms. Graham was appointed to the seat following the July death of her brother, Lindsey Graham. Meanwhile, in Mississippi, former President Bill Clinton is scheduled to campaign for Democratic Senate candidate Scott Colom in Tupelo.
Republicans faced turbulence elsewhere on the campaign trail. The Republican National Committee confirmed that President Trump canceled planned weekend rallies in Iowa and Kansas, citing strong local standings, though polls in Kansas show a tight race between Republican Senator Roger Marshall and Democratic challenger Adam Hamilton. Vice President JD Vance faced rigorous questioning during a town hall in Fort Worth, Texas, addressing housing affordability, government spending, and the conflict involving Iran.
In Michigan, Representative Haley Stevens reversed course and announced she would campaign on Sunday alongside Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, who defeated her in the state’s August Democratic Senate primary. The joint appearance is set for a Detroit church, bridging a divide after Ms. Stevens previously stated she would not join him on the trail before Tuesday’s election, while her fiancé appeared alongside Republican candidate Mike Rogers.
