President Trump calls for removal of Alaska Senate candidates over alleged ballot scheme
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President Donald Trump urged the removal and prosecution of two Alaska Senate candidates, alleging a Democratic-linked effort to split votes, after a New York Times report described the practice as ballot stacking.
President Donald Trump said on Truth Social that two candidates in Alaska’s Senate race should be taken off the ballot and prosecuted, accusing them of participating in a voter-fraud scheme. He named Democratic Senator Mary Peltola and Daniel J. Sullivan Jr., describing the alleged operation as “Voter Fraud at the Highest Level” and claiming Democrats lied under oath.
The remarks came after a New York Times investigation reported that aides to Peltola’s campaign had discussed recruiting candidates with the same name as incumbent Republican Senator Dan Sullivan to divide his support. The report identified Democratic operative Jerid Kurtz as a recruiter who approached potential candidates, sometimes using assumed names, and noted that a Democrat withdrew after being approached, allowing Republican Gerald Heikes to enter the race.
Peltola’s former campaign manager, Elisa Rios, told the newspaper that Peltola was aware of the effort but did not take part directly. Both Peltola’s campaign and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee denied any recruitment activity. The Times said that while ballot-stacking is generally legal and has been used by both parties in Alaska, the practice raised concerns in the closely watched race that could decide control of the Senate.
Alaska’s Supreme Court has upheld the retired teacher’s right to remain on the ballot, and the state has asked the courts to dismiss a Justice Department lawsuit seeking to delay certification of the election results.