ANCHORAGE, Alaska — October 29, 2026
Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy has ordered an investigation into allegations that people connected to Democratic Senate candidate Mary Peltola’s campaign helped recruit a candidate with the same name as Republican Senator Dan Sullivan.
The investigation follows a report by The New York Times alleging that individuals linked to Peltola’s campaign encouraged Daniel J. Sullivan Jr., a retired teacher, to run in the closely watched US Senate election. Critics claim the move may have been intended to divide Republican voters and create confusion among voters.
Governor Dunleavy said he had directed the state’s Department of Public Safety to determine whether the alleged actions violated election laws and whether criminal charges or civil action were warranted.
US President Donald Trump has also called for Peltola and those allegedly involved to face legal consequences. The controversy has intensified political tensions ahead of the midterm elections.
However, Peltola’s campaign and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee have denied involvement in recruiting the second Sullivan. Daniel J. Sullivan Jr. has also denied coordinating with Peltola’s campaign and maintains that he is running independently.
The Alaska Supreme Court previously allowed the retired teacher to remain on the ballot after state election officials initially challenged his candidacy.
The investigation is ongoing, and no criminal wrongdoing has been established. The case has raised broader questions about election fairness, voter confusion and the use of candidates with similar names in competitive political races.
