Democratic Alaska Senate candidate Mary Peltola told supporters in Juneau on Thursday that she is not interested in tricking voters, addressing two days of intense questions about how a man sharing the first and last name of her Republican opponent secured a spot on the ballot.
National attention has focused heavily on the state’s competitive Senate race following a Wednesday report in The New York Times revealing that individuals connected to Peltola’s campaign assisted in the candidate recruitment of Daniel J. Sullivan, who shares the exact first and last name of GOP Sen. Dan Sullivan. The Justice Department subsequently sued to potentially block the election from being certified if the incumbent senator loses due to voter confusion, issuing subpoenas in a separate criminal probe.
Speaking at a rally in the state capital, Peltola offered her fullest public remarks on the controversy, denying any connection to Daniel J. Sullivan. “I just want to clear the air. I knew nothing about any other candidates on the ballot except for me and the incumbent. That is all I have ever known about. I am not interested in tricking voters. I know I can beat Dan Sullivan,” she told supporters.
Peltola decried the smears and attacks she said she has faced. “I just feel like I’m dodging bullets left and right, you know? Just, you know, with all the nonsense,” said Peltola, who previously represented Alaska in the House. “And when did The New York Times become the National Enquirer? Inquiring minds want to know.” She vowed to stay focused on affordability.
Ballot Confusion and Legal Battles in Alaska
Daniel J. Sullivan’s presence on the ballot has frustrated Republicans for months. Sen. Dan Sullivan has called him a sham candidate intended to confuse voters and siphon votes away from the incumbent Republican. Previously pushing back against those claims, the retired teacher who shares the name has maintained that his candidacy stems from a genuine desire to run.
State courts in Alaska previously allowed the other Sullivan to stay on the ballot. Following the latest reporting, the Justice Department filed suit asking a federal court to intervene.
Political Fallout and Investigations
The New York Times reported on the alleged effort by Democratic operatives to get other candidates on the ballot in Alaska, citing a former Peltola campaign manager and text messages reviewed by the newspaper. Representatives for both the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee and the Peltola campaign rejected any assertion that they participated in recruiting Daniel J. Sullivan.
President Trump reacted furiously to the developments, saying Peltola and Daniel J. Sullivan should be removed from the ballot and prosecuted. “The Democrats cheated!” he said.
In addition to the Justice Department’s investigation, Alaska Republican Gov. Mike Dunleavy ordered a separate probe into whether this scheme violated state laws and whether criminal charges or civil action are warranted. During a subsequent interview, he remarked that the inquiry might influence whether the outcome of next week’s Senate election receives official certification.
A Peltola campaign spokesperson responded sharply to the governor’s actions: “Dunleavy’s threat to overrule the will of Alaskan voters exemplifies what Alaskans hate about partisan politics and shows why he’s the least popular governor in the country. Mary won’t be intimidated by Dunleavy, Sullivan, or any of their DC allies who are trying to steal this election from Alaskans before votes are counted.”
