By — Alanna Durkin Richer, Associated Press Alanna Durkin Richer, Associated Press By — Eric Tucker, Associated Press Eric Tucker, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/justice-department-sent-target-letters-in-alaska-senate-criminal-probe-heres-what-that-means Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Justice Department sent target letters in Alaska Senate criminal probe. Here's what that means Politics Nov 3, 2026 7:14 PM EST 2026 ELECTION COVERAGE: Watch Live | Poll Closing Times | All Live Results | Live Updates | Live Fact Check WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department has escalated its investigation over an Alaska Senate candidate who shares a name with the Republican incumbent, sending letters advising a prominent Democratic attorney and others that they are considered targets of the criminal inquiry. The letter to attorney Marc Elias, who for years has represented Democratic presidential campaigns and the party itself in election-related challenges — and has himself been a target of President Donald Trump — is among numerous ones that have been issued, said the people, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss an ongoing investigation. Target letters…
Justice Department sent target letters in Alaska Senate criminal probe. Here's what that means
In short
The Justice Department has escalated its inquiry into whether retired teacher Dan J. Sullivan was recruited to draw support away from incumbent Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan in his race against Democrat Mary Peltola. Target letters have been issued to high-profile attorney Marc Elias and others, signaling that federal prosecutors may intend to bring formal charges. Federal authorities have deployed FBI agents to interview donors and issued more than 100 subpoenas as part of a significant surge of investigative assets to Alaska. Both Peltola and the third-party candidate deny any coordination, and officials have not yet disclosed the exact criminal charges under review.
Key points
- The federal criminal probe centers on allegations that a third-party candidate was recrui…: The federal criminal probe centers on allegations that a third-party candidate was recruited to deceive voters by sharing the incumbent senator's name.
- Both Democratic candidate Mary Peltola and retired teacher Dan J. Sullivan have denied co…: Both Democratic candidate Mary Peltola and retired teacher Dan J. Sullivan have denied coordinating to manipulate the electorate.
- Target letters often indicate an intent by federal prosecutors to indict individuals, but…: Target letters often indicate an intent by federal prosecutors to indict individuals, but formal criminal charges are not guaranteed.