In Juneau, Alaska, a significant decision was made concerning the U.S. Senate race. A top elections official declared that a candidate sharing the name and party affiliation of Republican incumbent Dan Sullivan will not be listed on the state’s August primary ballot.
Division of Elections Director Carol Beecher sent a letter to the challenger, stating that his candidacy was not in good faith. She argued that the filing aimed to confuse and compromise the ballot’s neutrality.
Beecher noted that the challenger has the option to appeal the ruling, with ballots scheduled for printing on June 28.
Sullivan, the challenger, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. He had previously indicated a decision on an appeal early this week. In a social media post, he said his candidacy was driven by dissatisfaction with the incumbent’s 12-year record and a desire for change.
The situation has become a noteworthy event in a crucial Senate race, regarded by both major parties as vital for controlling the chamber. The filing by the challenger Sullivan occurred shortly before the June 1 deadline.
Sen. Sullivan and Republicans have accused him of being a “sham” candidate, allegedly collaborating with Democrats to enhance Mary Peltola’s chances. Both the challenger and Peltola’s campaign deny these claims.
Republican Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom initiated an investigation based on “credible allegations” of coordination with another campaign to confuse voters. The investigation followed a letter from the National Republican Senatorial Committee’s attorney outlining such claims. Additionally, the Alaska Republican Party Chair, Carmela Warfield, filed two complaints seeking the challenger’s disqualification.
The challenger, a retired teacher from Petersburg, Alaska, contended that he has done nothing wrong and that Dahlstrom lacks legal grounds to remove him from the ballot. He described his name-sharing situation with Sen. Sullivan as “a matter of fate.”
The Lieutenant Governor’s job is to oversee elections fairly and impartially,” he said. “Instead, her actions create the impression of protecting an incumbent senator from competition.
Beecher’s letter did not find evidence of coordination with Peltola or Democratic officials. However, she detailed reasons leading to the candidacy’s ineligibility. These included the challenger changing his party affiliation to Republican and registering as Daniel J. Sullivan Jr., along with notable similarities in campaign websites.
Work by a consultant involved in his campaign, who also served Democratic clients, was noted. Beecher stated this alone is harmless but indicated an attempt to confuse voters using the similarity in name.
The candidate form requires stating how one wishes to appear on the ballot, including nicknames and party affiliation.
The challenger had explained his GOP registration was inspired by his late father, described as a “true, compassionate, conservative Republican.”
Sen. Sullivan’s campaign manager praised the lieutenant governor for upholding election fairness. With Sen. Sullivan seeking a third term, he and Peltola are the most prominent candidates in the crowded race, currently the only ones reporting fundraising.
Democrats aim to capture the seat as part of their strategy to regain Senate control.
Protests occurred outside the Division of Elections office, opposing efforts to disqualify the challenger. Ben Muse, a protester from Juneau, argued the issue could have been resolved with middle initials on the ballot, feeling it was exaggerated.
This has nothing to do with whether you support this guy as a candidate,” he said. “It’s about his right to be on the ballot.