The Justice Department issued more than 20 target and preservation letters in Alaska probe
The Justice Department issued more than 20 target and preservation letters in its probe of how independent candidate Daniel J. Sullivan, who shares a name with Alaska’s Senate incumbent, came to run, The Washington Post reported. Attorney Marc Elias, whom other outlets identified as a target, called it a “sham investigation.”
More context
The Justice Department has issued more than 20 target and preservation letters in its criminal investigation into the recruitment of an Alaska Senate candidate who shares a name with the Republican incumbent, The Washington Post reported. The letters went to Democrats and others; attorney Marc Elias was among those notified he could be a target, Spectrum News and CBS News reported. The investigation is examining whether operatives for Democratic Senate candidate Mary Peltola helped recruit independent candidate Daniel J. Sullivan in an effort to confuse voters, CBS News reported. ABC News said prosecutors were also in the process of issuing more than 100 subpoenas. Elias called the inquiry “a sham investigation.” Donald Trump has urged forceful action in the case and said Elias should be locked up.
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Reporting
- ABC News — DOJ ramps up probe of Alaska Senate race with target letters, new subpoenas: Sources - ABC News
- Spectrum News — DOJ escalates Alaska Senate probe, IDs potential targets
- The Washington Post — Justice Dept. issues target letters in Alaska Senate investigation - The Washington Post
- CBS News — Democratic attorney and Trump foe Marc Elias is a target of DOJ's Alaska ballot investigation, sources say - CBS News
- CNN — Justice Department sends criminal target letters in Alaska probe to people aligned with Democratic party | CNN Politics
- The New York Times — Justice Dept. Sends Target Letters to Democrats in Escalation of Alaska Inquiry
- The Philadelphia Inquirer — Justice Department send target letters to Democrats in escalation of Alaska inquiry
- Politico — DOJ sends target letters to Democrats in Alaska spoiler candidacy probe
Verifier’s note
ABC News, Spectrum Local News, The Washington Post, CBS News, CNN, The New York Times, The Philadelphia Inquirer, and POLITICO all report DOJ target letters in the Alaska Senate investigation, including letters to Democrats and Marc Elias. These reports were published on November 3, 2026, consistent with the proposed event’s timing.