From Newsweek · · 3m
Alaska Senate Race: Trump Accuses Democrats of Ballot Confusion
Trump claims Democrats recruited fake Dan Sullivan to confuse Alaska voters in Senate race.
In brief
Trump claims Democrats recruited fake Dan Sullivan to confuse Alaska voters in Senate race. Trump says Democrats recruited a fake Dan Sullivan to boost Peltola's Senate chances in Alaska. Originally reported by Newsweek.
Alaska Senate Race Complicated
Alaska’s Senate race has been roiled by a new investigation from The New York Times reporting that Democratic operatives were allegedly involved in recruiting a candidate who shares the name of GOP Senator Dan Sullivan.
2026 Midterm Senate Toss-Up
The race has become one of the most closely watched elections in the 2026 midterms and is one of a handful of toss-ups that could determine the balance of power in the Senate.
Alaska’s Ranked-Choice System
Alaska uses a ranked-choice jungle electoral system where all candidates appear on a single ballot in the primary and the four with the most support advance to the general election.
Two Dan Sullivans on Ballot
Peltola and Sullivan will be joined by two other Republicans on the ballot, Gerald Heikes and Daniel J. Sullivan.
Republicans Seek Removal
Republicans have sought to have Daniel J. Sullivan removed from the ballot, alleging that his candidacy is meant to confuse voters and boost Peltola’s chances.
New York Times Report
The Times, citing interviews, text messages and documents prepared for a potential lawsuit, reported that Peltola’s team allegedly worked with people trying to recruit Daniel J. Sullivan and other potential spoilers.
Alleged Recruitment Effort
The alleged effort began in 2025 when Democratic aides were asked to compile a list of Dan Sullivans who live in Alaska, which included the eventual Republican challenger.
Daniel J. Sullivan Files
Daniel J. Sullivan, who is not a fan of President Donald Trump, indicated he would be interested in running to help Peltola and eventually filed paperwork in May 2026.
Republican Criticism
His candidacy quickly drew criticism from Republicans, who led an unsuccessful effort to remove him from the ballot.
DOJ Lawsuit Against Alaska
The Department of Justice has sued Alaska over the candidacy of Daniel J. Sullivan.
Trump’s Response
Trump responded to the report in a post to Truth Social Wednesday afternoon, accusing Democrats of trying to 'defraud, confuse, and obfuscate the Election'.
Trump’s Call for Consequences
Trump said Democrats made 'false statements' 'under oath in Federal Court' and should be liable for very serious consequences.
DOJ Lawsuit Details
The DOJ says the 'sole purpose' of Daniel J. Sullivan’s candidacy is to 'benefit the Peltola campaign by reducing the number of votes for Senator Sullivan'.
Alaska Election Officials
Alaska election officials said they 'designed the ballot to distinguish' between the two Sullivans as much as possible.
In short
Trump says Democrats recruited a fake Dan Sullivan to boost Peltola's Senate chances in Alaska.
