Alaska Senate race roiled by same-name candidate controversy

· Politics · United States

Alaska's Republican governor ordered an investigation into allegations that Democrat Mary Peltola's Senate campaign worked with party operatives to recruit a challenger with the same name as Republican incumbent Dan Sullivan, and the Justice Department reportedly issued subpoenas in the case. President Donald Trump said Peltola should be barred from the race and called it "voter fraud at the highest level". The Alaska contest could help decide which party holds a Senate majority, and its turbulence comes as the Senate map otherwise brightens for Democrats. Peltola is challenging Sullivan.

Why it matters：A ballot-manipulation scandal in a race that could tip Senate control tests election integrity rules days before US midterms.

Key points

  • Alaska's governor ordered an investigation into the Peltola campaign allegations.
  • The Justice Department reportedly issued subpoenas.
  • Trump said Peltola should be banned from the race.

Sources (original reporting)

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