Alaska Senate race roiled by spoiler candidate named Dan Sullivan

Summarised from 3 outlets · 4 reports · Updated 30 Oct, 18:39 · Archive

Alaska's Senate race has been disrupted by reports of a second candidate named Dan Sullivan apparently meant to confuse voters.

Alaska's crucial US Senate race has been disrupted by reports of a second candidate named Dan Sullivan on the ballot, apparently intended to split votes and confuse voters in an election that could determine control of the chamber.

The sitting Republican senator Dan Sullivan is in a close race to retain his seat. Alaska adopted new electoral rules several years ago, moving to a jungle primary where the four highest vote-getters advance to the general election regardless of party affiliation. The general election then uses ranked-choice voting: if no candidate wins an outright majority, votes for the candidate with the fewest votes are redistributed until someone reaches 50 per cent.

The Justice Department has filed a lawsuit seeking to block certification of the election should the presence of the second Sullivan affect the outcome. The suit has faced criticism as an attempt to overturn the election before it happens, though legal observers suggest no judge is likely to grant such an order.

Alaska's governor has ordered an investigation into allegations that Democrats recruited the spoiler candidate. New reporting has brought these claims to public attention, roiling the already contentious race. The Cook Political Report ranks the Senate seat as a toss-up.

The new electoral system was narrowly approved by referendum in 2020. Critics argue it represents a cautionary tale about changing voting rules, though supporters hoped the changes would help candidates like independent-minded Republican Lisa Murkowski. The duplicate-name candidate has become a focal point of controversy as voters prepare to cast their ballots in this closely watched race.

How it is being reported

• What's next for Democrat Mary Peltola as Trump demands her prosecution? Legal experts reveal what could happen in Alaska after secret plot blew up crucial Senate raceThe Cook Political Report ranks Alaska's Senate race as a toss-up, and the crucial seat could determine the balance of power in Congress.Daily Mail · 30 Oct, 18:22
• Alaska's Senate race faces claims of spoiler candidate. And, Hegseth ousts Army generalAlaska's governor ordered an investigation into claims that Dems recruited a spoiler candidate to confuse voters. And, Hegseth ousted an Army general as the U.S. prepares for potential attacks on Iran.NPR · 30 Oct, 11:20
• Alaska's all-important Senate race is roiled by a report on alleged spoiler candidateNew reporting alleging Democratic efforts to prop up a spoiler candidate has roiled Alaska's all-important U.S. Senate race.NPR · 29 Oct, 22:23
• Alaska’s bizarre Senate doppelganger marks a new low for Democratic dirty tricksThe Alaska electoral system is a travesty — and a Democratic spoiler candidate is exploiting its flaws to torpedo a sitting GOP senator.New York Post · 28 Oct, 18:52

In this story: Dan Sullivan · Alaska · Lisa Murkowski · Justice Department · Democratic Party

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