THE ALASKA STORY
Oct. 31, 2026 – Republican gubernatorial candidate Bernadette Wilson pledged Friday evening to continue the state investigation into alleged manipulation of Alaska’s US Senate race if she is elected, saying her administration would provide investigators the authority, resources, and support to pursue the matter without interruption.
“We are prepared to pursue justice,” Wilson said.
Her statement followed reporting by The New York Times about efforts by Democratic operatives to recruit candidates who could draw votes away from Republican Sen. Dan S. Sullivan, including Daniel J. Sullivan Jr. (Decoy Dan) of Petersburg, whose similar name has become the focus of allegations of voter deception.
Wilson thanked the Department of Justice for investigating and issuing subpoenas, and commended Gov. Mike Dunleavy for directing the Alaska Department of Public Safety to investigate.
Federal officials confirmed Friday in Anchorage that a criminal investigation is underway. US Attorney Michael Heyman said the inquiry had been ongoing for months and that recent reporting had prompted additional law enforcement resources. Officials have not announced a determination that a crime occurred.
Wilson said a change in governors would not interrupt the state’s work.
“God willing, our administration will take the helm of the Governor’s office in just 38 days, and I want Alaskans assured that, as Governor, I will uphold the current directive and ensure that the Department of Public Safety has the authority, resources, and support necessary to continue its investigation without interruption, regardless of what stage the investigation has reached when Mike Shower and I assume leadership,” she said.
No related statement had been issued by any other gubernatorial candidate as of Friday night.
Wilson is running with lieutenant governor candidate Mike Shower, who has become an election integrity expert during his years in the Alaska Senate.
“Should criminal charges or civil action be warranted, our administration will indeed pursue justice to the fullest extent of the law,” she said.
Wilson also linked the controversy to Alaska’s ranked-choice voting system, calling the reported conduct another example of what she described as a scam.
“Information reported by the New York Times regarding the manipulation and gamesmanship in our US Senate race is disturbing,” she said.
She accused Mary Peltola and liberal operatives of perpetrating a scheme against Alaska voters and criticized Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins for not speaking out.
“These are the values of ‘Just Keep Taxing’ JKT, whose silence on this matter is deafening,” Wilson said.
Peltola has denied knowing about the effort to recruit the other Sullivan. The allegations remain under investigation.
Wilson closed with a pledge to defend election integrity.
“We will fight for transparent, fair, and honest elections and will not sit idly by and allow Alaskans to be manipulated,” she said.
