Details on the controversy upending Alaska's key Senate race

As of October 28, 2026, The New York Times reported that Mary Peltola’s campaign, running for the Democratic nomination in Alaska's Senate race against incumbent Republican Senator Dan S. Sullivan, had recruited another candidate named Dan J. Sullivan to confuse voters and potentially siphon votes from the incumbent. The effort was described as part of a broader strategy known internally as the "ballot composition project." This second Dan Sullivan, an unknown individual not actively campaigning, appeared on Alaska's midterm election ballot alongside both Peltola and Sen. S. Sullivan. While Peltola’s campaign denies involvement in recruiting this candidate, reports indicate top aides were instructed to search for individuals named Dan Sullivan they could recruit for the contest, with Peltola being "definitely aware." Republicans have criticized the move as unethical, while Democrats argue it highlights flaws in Alaska's election system, which includes ranked-choice voting.