Democrat Mary Peltola’s campaign linked to recruitment of second Dan Sullivan in Alaska race

A Democrat’s campaign in Alaska is said to have helped place a second candidate named Dan Sullivan on the ballot, a move Republicans say could split votes.

The New York Times reported on Wednesday that Mary Peltola’s campaign was behind an effort to recruit a challenger with almost the exact same name as the Republican U.S. senator Dan Sullivan. The newcomer, described as a retiree from south‑eastern Alaska with scant political experience, will appear alongside the two‑term senator in next week’s midterm elections.

Republicans have condemned the presence of two Dan Sullivans on the ballot, calling it a ploy by Democrats to cost the incumbent re‑election by dividing his supporters.

Why it matters

The duplicate name could divide the incumbent’s voter base, potentially influencing the outcome of the Senate race.

Key details

Location

United States · Americas

Reported by

The Guardian

First reported

29 Oct 2026, 01:18 IST

Key names

Dan Sullivan, Alaska Senate, Democrat Mary Peltola, Alaska Democrat Mary Peltola

Section

Politics

Sources

This is an independent summary. Read the full, original reporting from the publisher:

• The GuardianDemocrat Mary Peltola’s campaign reportedly recruited second Dan Sullivan in Alaska Senate race 29 Oct, 01:18

Read the full story at The Guardian ↗

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