Alaska's U.S. Senate race, a contest that could determine control of the Senate, has been disrupted by allegations of efforts to confuse voters and legal battles in the lead-up to Election Day. The race features Republican incumbent Dan Sullivan and Democrat Mary Peltola.
At the center of the controversy is a third candidate, retired teacher Dan J. Sullivan, who finished third in the August open primary with 2.5% of the vote. President Donald Trump has publicly labeled him "fake" and urged the Justice Department to sue to block certification of the election results, citing potential voter confusion. The lawsuit was dismissed by a federal judge but is currently under appeal.
Peltola has denied any involvement in recruiting Dan J. Sullivan or any efforts to trick voters. Dan J. Sullivan himself has previously denied contact with Peltola's campaign and has not recently responded to requests for comment.
The Justice Department has confirmed a criminal investigation, though specifics about the probe's targets or potential crimes have not been disclosed. Donors to Dan J. Sullivan’s campaign have reportedly been questioned by the FBI regarding whether they felt deceived.
The ballot clearly distinguishes between Dan S. Sullivan, the Republican incumbent, and Daniel J. Sullivan Jr., who is unaffiliated with a party.
Top Republican officials, including Trump and Vice President JD Vance, have visited Alaska to campaign for Sullivan. They have emphasized Sullivan's support for Trump's policies, including tax cuts and increased military spending, and have criticized Peltola's effectiveness in the House. Sullivan has also pointed to his record on supporting the military and has voiced concerns that Democratic control of the Senate could jeopardize Trump's efforts to expand oil and gas development in Alaska.
Peltola has sought to distance herself from national Democrats, stating her commitment to Alaska's interests. She has also expressed support for increased drilling and willingness to work with Trump on the issue. She highlighted her Yup’ik heritage and her deep roots in the state, using her campaign's social media to showcase her travels and focus on issues like affordability and combating corruption.
Alaska's ranked-choice voting system means that a final determination of the winner might not be made immediately. Ballots postmarked by Election Day can be accepted for up to 15 days after the election from overseas voters, with tabulation concluding on November 18. If no candidate secures more than 50% of the first-choice votes, the rankings will come into play.