Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) on Sunday refused to commit to accepting the outcome of Alaska's Senate race if Democrat Mary Peltola emerges victorious, deflecting with claims of voter confusion and a federal investigation into a ballot maneuver.
During an appearance on NBC News's "Meet the Press," host Kristen Welker pressed Scott on whether he would recognize a certified win by Peltola over incumbent Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan. Scott initially dodged, prompting Welker to repeat the question.
"Kristen, two things: number one, Dan Sullivan, the real Dan S. Sullivan, will win, and number two, it actually is a federal offense to confuse voters, that's the law, and that's why you've seen the Department of Justice ask for — send out 30 subpoenas," Scott said, referencing the DOJ's reported subpoenas tied to ballot-stacking allegations against Peltola.
"So, what we're going to find out very quickly is who all was involved in this attempt to confuse the voters. It's okay to expand the ballot, but it is not okay to confuse the voters," he added.
The controversy centers on the presence of a second candidate named Dan J. Sullivan on Alaska's ballot, who was recruited—according to a New York Times report—with involvement from Peltola's campaign. The DOJ has sued, alleging the decoy candidate unfairly boosted Peltola's chances. The fresh subpoenas were sent to Peltola's campaign offices and those of Dan J. Sullivan, per NBC News.
President Trump waded in last week on Truth Social, accusing Democrats of "illegally" recruiting the name-alike to "defraud, confuse, and obfuscate the Election," and suggesting Peltola should face legal consequences. The federal probe into the alleged ballot scheme has expanded, with House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer opening his own investigation. Peltola has repeatedly denied any involvement.
Scott's reluctance to guarantee acceptance of a potential Peltola victory echoes broader Republican skepticism about election integrity, a theme that has intensified ahead of the midterms. The race in Alaska is seen as increasingly competitive, with the spoiler scandal clouding final forecasts. Alaska's certification process could also face delays, as Gov. Mike Dunleavy has warned that the probe might halt certification.
When Welker pressed Scott on whether he would accept the results if Peltola wins and the election is certified, Scott pivoted again, emphasizing the DOJ's actions and the need to address voter confusion. He stopped short of a direct yes or no, leaving ambiguity about his stance.
The Hill has reached out to both Dan J. Sullivan's and Peltola's campaigns for comment.
