Alaska Lieutenant Governor Nancy Dahlstrom has launched an investigation into the controversial candidacy of Daniel James Sullivan, Jr., a Petersburg resident who filed to challenge incumbent U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan in the August 18 primary. In a sharply worded letter dated June 8, Dahlstrom raised serious questions about whether the challenger’s declaration of candidacy was filed in good faith or as part of an effort to confuse voters.

The letter notifies Sullivan, Jr. that the Division of Elections is reviewing credible allegations that he may have coordinated with another campaign to capitalize on the fact that he shares the same first and last name as the incumbent Senator Dan Sullivan, while also newly affiliating with the Republican Party in order to siphon off votes.

“If true, it suggests that your declaration of candidacy… was not genuine and not properly filed,” Dahlstrom wrote. She described the situation as “unprecedented” and potentially damaging to voter rights and election integrity.

Dahlstrom has given Sullivan, Jr. until noon on Wednesday, June 10, to submit a sworn affidavit answering seven detailed questions.

Dahlstrom emphasized the Division’s duty to protect “the integrity, credibility, and impartiality of Alaska’s elections” and ensure voters are “not misled about the identity of candidates.”

These include the following:

— Whether he was ever previously affiliated with the Republican Party and, if so, when and where.

— Whether he ever held himself out as a Republican before filing.

— Details on other names used in past voter registrations and why he used only “Dan Sullivan” this time.

— The process for designing his campaign website and logo, including any intent to mimic the incumbent’s branding.

— Any interactions with Amber Lee or her firm Amber Lee Strategies.

— Any contact with other Senate candidates, their agents, or Democratic Party agents regarding his filing.

The Lt. Governor also asked Sullivan, Jr. to state whether he would object to appearing on the ballot as “Sullivan, Daniel James Jr. (non-incumbent)” or without the Republican Party designation to reduce confusion.

The action follows a June 1 complaint from the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) challenging Sullivan, Jr.’s candidacy. In a June 3 response to Director of Elections Carol Beecher, Sullivan, Jr. defended his filing as a candidate. He stated he is a qualified Alaska voter over 30, a lifelong U.S. citizen, and a resident. He acknowledged previously affiliating with the Alaskan Independence Party, which disbanded, leaving him unaffiliated. He said he followed the filing form’s instructions when designating his new Republican affiliation.

“I am running because I am tired of sitting back and watching our current Senator routinely fail to represent the interests of ordinary Alaskans like me,” Sullivan, Jr. wrote. “The fact that Senator Sullivan shares my first and last names adds insult to injury, motivating me to raise my hand as an alternative choice.”

He argued that Alaska law requires his name to be placed on the ballot and that the Division lacks authority to exclude him based on name similarity or party switch. He suggested reasonable steps, like including a middle initial, could address confusion without removing him.

Dahlstrom emphasized the Division’s duty to protect “the integrity, credibility, and impartiality of Alaska’s elections” and ensure voters are “not misled about the identity of candidates.” The outcome of the investigation could determine not only whether Sullivan, Jr. appears on the ballot but in what form.

Senator Dan Sullivan’s campaign praised Dahlstrom for having the courage to take decisive action to protect the integrity of Alaska’s elections.

“The State of Alaska is standing up for every Alaskan voter’s right to a fair and honest ballot,” said Senator Sullivan’s campaign spokesman, Nate Adams. “Lieutenant Governor Nancy Dahlstrom’s letter makes clear that Alaska’s elections will not be a playground for deception. We commend her commitment to ensuring voters’ right to an honest, fair election is upheld and are hopeful that the ruse that is lifelong Democrat Sham Candidate Dan Sullivan’s phony candidacy will come to a swift end.”

This story is developing. The Division of Elections has not yet issued a final decision on ballot placement.

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