Justice Department identifies potential targets as it escalates Alaska Senate criminal probe

The Justice Department has intensified its probe into an Alaska Senate race involving a candidate with the same name as Republican incumbent, according to sources familiar with the matter. A letter was sent to Democratic attorney Marc Elias, a frequent legal representative for Democratic campaigns, suggesting they may be potential targets of the criminal inquiry, two sources said.

This marks a significant escalation in the investigation, which aims to address potential voter confusion in Alaska. The letter to Elias is one of several issued, signaling an overt widening of the probe into possible wrongdoing. Elias, representing Democratic campaigns, criticized the administration for allegedly weaponizing the DOJ against political opponents without evidence of wrongdoing.

The investigation began several months ago and has recently been bolstered by the revelation that Peltola's campaign may have been involved in recruiting retired teacher Dan J. Sullivan. Over 100 subpoenas have been issued, and while a target letter does not guarantee indictment, it indicates substantial evidence linking the individual to potential criminal activity.