State Troopers Launch Election Probe After Peltola Campaign Decoy Claims

The Alaska Bureau of Investigation began a formal inquiry into election integrity on October 29.

Public Safety Deputy Commissioner Austin McDaniel issued a statement confirming the start of the probe. He said the department is working on behalf of Gov. Mike Dunleavy to review specific claims from a recent New York Times article.

The article detailed efforts by aides to Mary Peltola and national Democratic groups to recruit a decoy candidate. The goal was to use a person with the same last name as incumbent U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan to create confusion on the ballot.

McDaniel stated that State Troopers are enforcing state criminal laws that protect election integrity. He said the agency will coordinate with the Alaska Department of Law to examine the facts thoroughly.

The Deputy Commissioner noted that anyone found to have violated state law will be held accountable. He added that the department is providing accurate information as the case develops but is withholding additional details to protect the active investigation.

Gov. Dunleavy directed the department to determine if the scheme violated state laws and if criminal or civil action is warranted. He described the governor's review as fact-based and said the evidence will determine the next steps.