The U.S. Department of Justice has issued more than 20 target letters and at least 100 subpoenas in a criminal investigation into alleged efforts by Democrats to confuse voters in Alaska’s Senate race by recruiting a candidate with the same name as incumbent Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter.
The probe, led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Alaska and prosecutors from the Civil Rights Division’s criminal section, marks an aggressive escalation in the federal inquiry. Target letters have been sent to individuals believed to be involved in the recruitment of Daniel J. Sullivan, a retired teacher placed on the ballot alongside Sen. Dan Sullivan. Among the recipients is Marc Elias, a prominent Democratic attorney and frequent critic of former President Donald Trump, who confirmed his receipt of a target letter in a statement to CBS News.
The investigation began accelerating last week after a report in The New York Times detailed alleged coordination between Democrats and Mary Peltola’s campaign to recruit Daniel J. Sullivan. The Justice Department has not publicly commented on the probe.
Legal and Political Responses
Elias, whose firm Elias Law Group has represented Democratic campaigns and progressive groups, stated in a press release that the investigation was politically motivated. "This administration has repeatedly weaponized the DOJ against the President’s political enemies despite zero evidence of wrongdoing," he said. "We will not be intimidated by a sham investigation."
The probe has drawn sharp criticism from Trump, who has publicly called for Elias’s prosecution in recent days. "No one should be surprised that President Trump’s Department is targeting me and my law firm on Election Day," Elias added.
The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) has separately received a grand jury subpoena, a law enforcement source told CBS News. The DSCC has not responded to requests for comment.
Scope and Timeline of the Investigation
Prosecutors have issued target letters, preservation letters, and grand jury subpoenas to approximately 20 individuals and organizations as part of the inquiry. Target letters typically indicate that recipients are considered subjects of a criminal investigation and may face charges. Preservation letters demand that recipients retain relevant documents, while subpoenas compel the production of evidence.
The investigation remains in its early stages, with sources indicating that prosecutors are still gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses. The Justice Department has not provided a timeline for potential charges or further actions.
Background: The Alaska Senate Race
The probe centers on the 2026 Alaska Senate race, where incumbent Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan faced Democratic candidate Mary Peltola. The controversy stems from the presence of Daniel J. Sullivan, a retired teacher with no apparent political affiliation, on the ballot. Reports suggest his candidacy may have been encouraged by figures associated with Peltola’s campaign to create voter confusion.
Alaska uses a ranked-choice voting system, and the presence of similarly named candidates raised concerns about potential ballot manipulation. The state’s election officials have not commented on the investigation.
Next Steps
The Justice Department has not indicated whether additional target letters or subpoenas will be issued. Legal experts note that the early issuance of target letters is unusual in such investigations, suggesting prosecutors may believe they have substantial evidence already. The probe’s outcome could have implications for future election integrity efforts and the use of similar tactics in other races.