Peltola Denies Knowledge of Second Dan Sullivan on Alaska Ballot

Alaska Democratic Senate candidate Mary Peltola stated on Thursday that she had no prior knowledge of a second candidate named Dan Sullivan on the November ballot. Speaking at a rally in Juneau, Peltola addressed reports that her campaign helped recruit Dan J. Sullivan, a Republican, to join the race.

Peltola, whose campaign was previously linked to the effort by a former staffer, clarified her position. "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," she said according to an Associated Press video. Her comments came three days after a New York Times report detailed alleged efforts by her team and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee to sow confusion on the ballot.

The dispute began when Peltola won the Democratic primary with 48% of the vote. The incumbent, Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan, received 43%. Dan J. Sullivan, a registered Republican with no prior high-profile office, secured 2% of the primary vote. His presence on the general election ballot has generated debate regarding voter clarity, as the incumbent is listed as Dan S. Sullivan and the challenger as Daniel J. Sullivan Jr.

Alaska courts reviewed the candidacy and found no illegality in Dan J. Sullivan's bid. The judges determined that while the effort might not have been in good faith, it did not violate state law. President Donald Trump, who has labeled the situation election fraud, commented on the ballot design on Friday morning. He argued that voters would need a 190 IQ to distinguish between the two candidates, noting that many Alaskans are unfamiliar with the term incumbent.

Sen. Sullivan criticized the move on Fox News, describing it as a secret operation intended to trick Alaskans. In a separate social media video, Peltola dismissed the New York Times report as a distraction. "I am not interested in tricking voters. I know I can beat Dan Sullivan," she stated. Her campaign told ABC News earlier in the week that it had no involvement with either Sullivan campaign.

The Justice Department has begun issuing subpoenas related to a criminal probe into the recruitment efforts. Additionally, the Trump administration filed a civil lawsuit seeking to stop the state from certifying results if Sen. Sullivan loses by a narrow margin. A federal judge is expected to rule on that injunction in the coming days.

The general election is scheduled for November 3. Voters will choose between the incumbent Republican and the Democratic challenger, with the second Republican candidate also appearing on the list.