Alaska Senate Race: GOP Seeks FEC Probe of Namesake Candidate Dan Sullivan

Incumbent Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan is running for re‑election in Alaska, facing Democrat former Rep. Mary Peltola. A second candidate, Daniel J. Sullivan – a 69‑year‑old retired teacher from Petersburg – entered the nonpartisan primary under the same name. The National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission alleging that the challenger’s campaign, aided by Democratic consultant Amber Lee, was a coordinated scheme to mislead voters and violate the Federal Election Act. The complaint cites the challenger’s logo and website mimicking the incumbent’s branding, donations to Peltola’s campaigns, and a press release authored by Lee.

Alaska’s Division of Elections and Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom have opened investigations into the challenger’s eligibility, with the division concluding that the preponderance of evidence supports the allegations. The state’s ranked‑choice voting system and close polls have moved the race from a “Leans Republican” to a “toss‑up” status, heightening scrutiny of the disputed candidacy.

The NRSC has asked the FEC to investigate and, if wrongdoing is confirmed, refer the case to the Justice Department. State officials continue to assess whether the namesake candidate will be removed from the ballot.