Alaska DOJ seeks injunction and fast‑track discovery ahead of Senate vote

UPDATE - follow-up to Top DOJ attorney in Alaska calls Alaska Senate allegations "troubling": The Justice Department announced it will file a motion for a preliminary injunction and request expedited discovery on Monday, the day before Alaska’s Senate election, after new reporting sparked a significant surge of law‑enforcement assets in the state. ## What Happened U.S. attorney Michael Heyman said the department is not naming specific crimes but is investigating several theories and will not comment until a court rules. He described the New York Times story about the Peltola campaign and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee as alleging a "sprawling conspiracy" to recruit and prop up independent candidate Daniel J. Sullivan as a sham contender. ## Reaction Republicans argue Sullivan is a plant to confuse voters and aid Democrat Mary Peltola, who denied any knowledge of the scheme and said she is "not interested in tricking voters." The Democratic Senate Campaign Committee countered that Republicans have also tried to stack the ballot. ## What’s Next Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy ordered an investigation; the DOJ issued subpoenas to several Democratic officials and will seek the injunction and fast‑track discovery before the election. Heyman noted his earlier recusal over a potential judicial nomination has been rescinded. ## Context State courts previously overturned an election official’s move to block Sullivan, saying officials lacked authority to exclude a candidate based on a “good faith” interpretation of eligibility.