New York (state)

A New York Times report alleges top aides to Alaska Democrat Mary Peltola searched voter rolls in 2025 for a resident named Dan Sullivan, hoping to recruit one to run against Republican incumbent Sen. Dan Sullivan and split his support under the state's ranked-choice system. The effort, reportedly run by operative Jerid Kurtz with DSCC coordination, found retired teacher Daniel J. Sullivan Jr. in Petersburg, who entered the race; both Sullivans now appear on the four-person ballot, distinguished by middle initial, "Jr.," party affiliation, and an "Incumbent" label. Peltola's campaign and the DSCC deny involvement, calling the report a "distraction," though a fired former campaign manager told the Times Peltola was "definitely aware."

Gov. Mike Dunleavy directed Alaska's Department of Public Safety to investigate whether the scheme violated state law, saying the report shows an "organized effort" to confuse voters. The order follows Trump's call for Peltola's prosecution and a DOJ lawsuit seeking to block certification of a Peltola win if Sullivan Jr. stays on the ballot. Dunleavy has since suggested the state could withhold or delay certifying the Senate results if Peltola wins, pending the probe's findings, and the House Oversight Committee has opened its own inquiry. Sullivan Jr. denies coordinating with Democrats, and the Alaska Supreme Court previously allowed him to remain on the ballot; a legal analyst notes recruiting a spoiler candidate, even if true, may not be illegal under Alaska law.

Gov. Kathy Hochul rallied in Syracuse ahead of Election Day, criticizing opponent Bruce Blakeman for pursuing what she called "Trump-style leadership" in New York. Her remarks followed President Trump's earlier Syracuse rally endorsing Blakeman, where Trump praised him and attacked Hochul's record on cost of living, crime, and corruption. Blakeman has called Hochul "Clueless Kathy" and accused her of neglecting upstate voters; the two have also sparred over utility bills and immigration enforcement in debates. At her rally, Hochul touted local projects including the I-81 overhaul and the Micron semiconductor plant, and endorsed Rep. John Mannion for New York's 22nd District.

A Twin Cities opinion piece by local election official Ken Peterson defends Minnesota's voting system amid DOJ threats to deploy election-day monitors. Peterson notes bipartisan agreement between state GOP and DFL chairs that the system, run by over 30,000 local poll workers, is secure. A federal judge recently blocked DOJ efforts to obtain state voter rolls for DHS review. Minnesota uses paper ballots, certified equipment, and the Statewide Registration System to prevent double voting. Cited fraud cases remain rare: a St. Thomas Law School study found only three noncitizen voting convictions among 13.4 million ballots cast from 2014–2024. Minnesota led the nation in 2024 voter turnout and election administration rankings.

The Department of Veterans Affairs says it has opened 43 new healthcare clinics across 25 states and Guam since President Trump returned to office in January 2025, part of a broader push to expand veterans' access to care under Trump's May 2025 executive order targeting wait times and service delivery. The VA reports more than 300,000 new enrollees in VA healthcare this year, a record pace of direct-care and community-care appointments, and a reduced benefits claims backlog. However, an Inspector General report found severe staffing shortages at all 139 VHA medical centers nationwide, and a New York Times analysis found thousands of vacant medical positions left unfilled, raising questions about whether expanded facilities can be adequately staffed.

Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon, speaking for county executives statewide, has pressed Gov. Kathy Hochul to follow through on repealing New York's 2000-era sales tax exemption for internet data centers, calling it outdated for today's hyperscale facilities. McMahon, who heads the New York State County Executives' Association, wants the repeal included in Hochul's upcoming state budget proposal, arguing developers should negotiate incentives locally rather than claim exemptions automatically. Niagara County officials have said a major local data center claims the exemption, costing the county millions. Separately, Onondaga County has hired consultant CPL to study data centers' local impacts, with results expected by mid-2027, as officials weigh a proposed project in Lysander.