U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska and Special Agent in Charge Matthew Schlegel of the FBI Anchorage Field Office held a press conference at 12:00 PM today, October 30, 2026, to address the public’s concerns regarding the Peltola campaign’s intentional recruitment of Daniel J. Sullivan of Petersburg, who has the same name as the incumbent Senator Dan Sullivan running for re-election.
Heyman and Schlegel promised the public that they “will not let anyone or any group to undermine this election.” Heyman stated there is both civil litigation and a criminal investigation occurring simultaneously. While the civil litigation is public facing, the criminal investigation is subject to rules of secrecy. Heyman said details from the criminal investigation cannot be shared with the civil side, which is common practice.
Members of the press inquired what crime was being investigated. Schlegel replied, “You are assuming there was a crime.” He refused to discuss the potential criminal allegations, stating only that the investigation is to determine if there may have been criminal behavior “under several theories.”
When asked why hold a press conference “escalating the situation” so close to the election, Heyman replied that they are not escalating it any more than it has been escalating by the press, mainly The New York Times reporting, which they believed needed a response. Questions concerning whether the Times reporting can be believed, how much information the FBI had at what time, and what legal basis the Department of Justice has for its lawsuit now before the District of Alaska Court were left unanswered.
On the civil side, the Department of Justice has sued the Alaska Division of Elections, asking the Court to pre-emptively rule that the Alaska Division of Election may not certify the election results if “(1) Senator Sullivan does not win the election; and (2) had all votes cast for Daniel J. Sullivan been cast instead for Senator Sullivan and Alaska’s rank-choice process played out accordingly, Senator Sullivan would have won the election.” The Division of Elections and several intervenors have filed Motions to Dismiss, arguing the United States lacks legal authority to direct a state’s elections.
According to the officials, the FBI has been investigating the matter for several months and recently received “several new pieces of information submitted to the FBI” regarding the alleged conspiracy. The public is advised to contact the FBI if they have relevant information impacting election integrity. Tips can be submitted online here: https://tips.fbi.gov/home.
Recent updates in United States v State of Alaska:
More updates to follow.
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