Alaska Governor Orders Probe Into Senate Race Strategy

Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy ordered an investigation into the state's contested U.S. Senate race on Thursday. The review follows a New York Times report detailing Democratic efforts to recruit a candidate who shares the name of the Republican incumbent, Dan Sullivan. Election law experts contacted by Alaska Public Media found no specific statutes violated by the conduct, though they noted the strategy crosses moral and ethical lines.

The move comes with Election Day set for Tuesday. Democrats, led by former congresswoman Mary Peltola, aim to flip the seat from Republican hands. Republicans argue the similar name could confuse voters and siphon support away from incumbent Sullivan. The governor's office did not specify the scope of the investigation in its initial announcement.

In Washington, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth dismissed Army Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia from his role overseeing planning at the Pentagon. Sylvia also served on the Joint Chiefs of Staff. His removal occurs as the U.S. and Israel prepare for a potential new round of attacks against Iran. Although Sylvia held a senior position in strategy and policy, he was not directly involved in day-to-day operations regarding the conflict.

The Pentagon is investigating a leak related to the dismissal but has not provided details. Hegseth has dismissed several other senior military officials recently, often without explanation. These firings have disrupted operations at the highest levels. NPR correspondent Greg Myre noted that the changes have created uncertainty within the department.

Military posture in the region has increased significantly. The United States currently has two aircraft carriers in the Arabian Sea. A third vessel, the USS Theodore Roosevelt, is en route. Myre stated that it is unusual for the U.S. to station multiple carriers in one region. The last time the nation deployed three carriers to the Middle East was during the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

Meanwhile, the Department of Justice subpoenaed election workers in Los Angeles. The legal action occurred amid rising tensions with California officials over the administration's efforts to identify noncitizens on voter rolls. This development adds to a series of federal interventions in state election processes ahead of the midterm vote.

President Trump has shifted his campaign strategy to support at-risk Republicans. He has abandoned in-person rallies in favor of virtual events, hosting 19 telerallies alongside other appearances. Polling data suggests Republicans may face challenges in the House, though Trump remains a key motivator for his party's base.