Alaska Senate Ballot Dispute Triggers Statewide Probe Days Before Vote
Governor Mike Dunleavy ordered the Department of Public Safety to investigate whether an independent candidate’s entry into the race violated state law.
By Aisha Khan ·
Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy ordered the state Department of Public Safety to investigate the entry of an independent candidate into the U.S. Senate race, a move prompted by national calls for scrutiny of the November 3 ballot.
The dispute centers on Daniel J. Sullivan Jr., a retired teacher who qualified as an independent candidate. His name is nearly identical to that of Republican incumbent Sen. Dan Sullivan, who is seeking reelection against Democrat Mary Peltola. Critics argue that the similar names could confuse voters and influence the outcome of the contest.
The conflict began when election officials initially ruled Sullivan Jr. ineligible, determining his candidacy was intended to mislead the public. The Alaska Supreme Court subsequently reversed that decision, allowing him to remain on the ballot. This sequence of events drew the attention of the White House and the Vice President’s office.
Vice President JD Vance stated that the circumstances surrounding the independent candidate’s entry warrant an investigation into potential unlawful activity. President Donald Trump also called for criminal prosecution, although no charges have been formally announced against Peltola or her campaign staff.
Dunleavy directed authorities to examine whether the recruitment of Sullivan Jr. violated state statutes. The inquiry follows media reports detailing communications between individuals associated with Peltola’s campaign and the independent candidate.
Peltola has rejected accusations of wrongdoing, describing the controversy as a distraction from key issues facing Alaskans. A group supporting her campaign denied involvement in Sullivan Jr.’s bid, and Sullivan Jr. separately stated he did not coordinate with Peltola’s team. The allegations remain unproven, and the existence of the probe does not establish criminal conduct.
The investigation proceeds with the general election scheduled for November 3. The Senate contest has received national attention, with both major party leaders engaging in the dispute in the days leading up to voting.
Source: WABC
