FBI Probes Donors in Alaska Senate Race as Trump Escalates Political Attacks
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The FBI has contacted donors to Senate candidate Dan J. Sullivan in Alaska amid a widening criminal inquiry into possible election-related deception, with the politically charged investigation unfolding as the state’s ranked choice general election nears.
The FBI has started contacting donors who support Dan J. Sullivan in the Alaska Senate race, as part of a criminal investigation into possible deception tied to campaign contributions. Agents have reached out to people in Petersburg and Sitka, Alaska, as well as a couple in Massachusetts.
An FBI agent visited a boat dealership in Petersburg, where donor Charles Flint, who gave $500 to Sullivan’s campaign, said he was asked whether he felt misled about the candidate he backed. Flint said he remains confident in his choice, adding that he does not believe there is any confusion among voters about the incumbent senator. He said he plans to rank Democrat Mary Peltola first on his ballot, with Sullivan second.
President Donald Trump responded to the investigation by calling it "voter fraud at the highest level" and by suggesting that Sullivan was trying to avoid scrutiny. He also implied that Democratic leaders outside Alaska might somehow be involved in the matter.
Alaska U.S. Attorney Michael Heyman said the investigation has been underway for several months, but recent reports about Peltola’s campaign involvement have intensified law enforcement activity in the state. Other donors have reported similar FBI inquiries, and agents have stressed that the conversations are voluntary.
As the ranked choice general election approaches, Peltola has denied wrongdoing, calling the claims against her a "smear campaign" designed to suppress turnout. She said she is confident she can win the race without outside help.