A top Alaska elections official has threatened to disqualify a U.S. Senate candidate who shares the same name and party affiliation as incumbent Republican Dan Sullivan. Division of Elections Director Carol Beecher sent a letter to challenger Dan Sullivan, stating that her office had received two complaints regarding his eligibility and determined that the evidence does not support his candidacy. She gave him a Thursday deadline to submit additional information in response.
Sullivan, the challenger, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Beecher, a registered Republican with past ties to Republican groups, did not specify the evidence used to potentially remove him from the primary ballot. Her office also did not respond to requests for comment.
The challenger, who lives in the small fishing community of Petersburg, told The Associated Press earlier this week that his decision to run was his own choice. He denied any contact with the campaign of his top opponent, former Democratic Rep. Mary Peltola, stating there was 'zero, none, zilch' communication. He also pushed back against Republican Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom's announcement that she was opening an investigation into his candidacy.
Sen. Dan Sullivan has accused his namesake challenger of working with Democrats to trick voters and boost Peltola's chances, a claim both deny. The challenger's candidacy has caused a stir in one of the most prominent U.S. Senate races, as Democrats target the seat to regain the majority in the chamber.