Alaska Senate Race: Controversy Over Two Dan Sullivans

An investigation by The New York Times has surfaced allegations involving Democratic Senate candidate Mary Peltola’s operatives and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC), aiming to recruit a second Dan Sullivan for Alaska’s ballot. This revelation comes as nearly 10% of registered voters in Alaska have already cast their ballots.

Approximately 58,000 voters may have voted before learning about the alleged manipulation, which critics argue was designed to create confusion with a candidate having the same name. Both Peltola’s campaign and the DSCC have denied any involvement.

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Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, currently faces a challenge from Dan J. Sullivan, who has reached the four-candidate general election after securing 2.5% of the primary vote.

Dan J. Sullivan’s campaign announcement did not specify any party affiliation, and his website remains vague on political positions. It reads: “Dan Sullivan challenges Dan Sullivan for U.S. Senate Seat, urges Alaskans to defeat incumbent, elect a Sullivan who stands up for Alaska.”

The New York Times indicates efforts to enlist potential Republican spoiler candidates, implicating Dan J. Sullivan. It describes coordination between the DSCC and Peltola’s team, backed by text messages, interviews, and internal documents.

Despite sources indicating Peltola’s knowledge of these efforts, her campaign denied explicit involvement in the strategy.

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The Department of Justice (DOJ) recently filed a lawsuit aiming to delay certification if Sen. Dan Sullivan loses, citing potential voter confusion. Success on these grounds remains uncertain.

Alaska’s ranked-choice voting adds complexity to the election for Sen. Sullivan. This system allows voters to rank candidates, with support shifting to the next-choice candidate if the top choice is eliminated.

Advocates believe it empowers voters, boosting lesser-known candidates’ influence. Critics, however, worry about increased confusion and ballot fatigue.

Alaska state Sen. James Kaufman, a Republican, is particularly concerned. He suggests some voters might skip marking both “Sullivans” to be sure.

He notes that some voters, especially Republicans, oppose the system due to its divergence from traditional voting practices.

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Kaufman states: “Some people have a pretty strong traditionalist perspective: one person, one man, one vote.” Interviewed by Fox News Digital, he highlighted ballot fatigue and disagreement with the ranked-choice voting system.

With less than a week remaining until the general election on Nov. 3, the race intensifies amid this controversy.

Leo Briceno covers politics for Fox News Digital’s congressional team, previously reporting with World Magazine.