RNC rejects narrative of spoiler candidates 'on both sides,' calls Alaska scheme 'fraudulent'

The Republican National Committee has firmly rejected the narrative that both political parties engage in similar tactics regarding ballot access, following a New York Times report revealing Democrat-linked efforts to recruit a second 'Dan Sullivan' for Alaska's Senate ballot. RNC officials emphasized that Republicans are solely focused on securing elections while Democrats are 'trying to be fraudulent.'

No, both sides of the aisle don't do this," RNC election integrity communications director Ally Triolo told Fox News Digital on Thursday. "Our entire effort here at the RNC is securing elections, making them fair and free and honest."

Alaska ballot controversy

The Times reported Wednesday that Senate nominee Mary Peltola's campaign, aides from the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee and others worked to place a retired teacher named Dan J. Sullivan on the ballot alongside incumbent Sen. Dan Sullivan. The Justice Department has since moved to delay certification of Alaska's Senate election results due to the confusion.

"We couldn't be more different from Republicans versus Democrats, and I honestly hope people see this straight in the eye with what's happened out of Alaska, that Democrats are completely disingenuous," Triolo stated. "They have ill intentions. They're trying to disenfranchise voters, and of course trying to be fraudulent."

Justice Department investigation

The DOJ last week sued to block certification of a potential Peltola win if votes for the second Sullivan could have changed the outcome. A senior DOJ official confirmed that the criminal investigation has intensified, with officials examining possible civil-rights violations under 18 U.S.C. §§ 241 and 242.

"Republicans, we tried to fight this months ago and draw attention to this Democrat scheme," Triolo said. "And look, no wonder Democrats are against election integrity because they don't want to be held accountable for trying to disenfranchise voters and cheat the system."

Political reactions

Vice President JD Vance said authorities should "certainly look into whether [Peltola] committed election fraud," describing the effort as an attempt to "steal a Senate seat." Senate Majority Leader John Thune called it a "coordinated effort" and "totally dirty pool." Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy has ordered a state investigation.

The RNC election integrity unit has a major on-the-ground operation in Alaska, including an in-state director, attorneys, observers and poll workers. Triolo emphasized that the RNC is "heavily invested in protecting the vote in Alaska since this scheme came out."