The National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) has submitted a third complaint to the Federal Election Commission regarding Dan J. Sullivan, a U.S. Senate candidate in Alaska who shares a name with incumbent Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK). The NRSC alleges that Dan J. Sullivan spent over $5,000 after launching his campaign but did not file the required Statement of Candidacy by the 15-day deadline, which expired on June 12.
Dan J. Sullivan entered the race on May 29 and is not related to the incumbent senator. The NRSC previously claimed he coordinated with Democratic strategist Amber Lee to launch his campaign, which they argue violates federal laws against fraudulent misrepresentation. Last week, Alaska Division of Elections Director Carol Beecher ruled Dan J. Sullivan ineligible for the primary race, but he has filed a lawsuit to contest this decision.
The NRSC criticized Dan J. Sullivan, stating, "Fraud Dan Sullivan’s disgusting contempt for Alaskans and complete disregard of the law is appalling." They also expressed concerns that his candidacy could undermine the integrity of the Senate race, prompting them to request his removal from the ballot.
This situation has created controversy in a competitive Senate race, with former Representative Mary Peltola challenging the incumbent senator. The senator has accused Democrats of attempting to confuse voters, asserting that the actions taken against Dan J. Sullivan are part of a deliberate strategy to mislead constituents. The NRSC has presented circumstantial evidence suggesting coordination between Dan J. Sullivan and Democratic operatives, including claims that Lee wrote his campaign launch press release and that Dan J. Sullivan has previously donated to Democratic candidates.
The NRSC also contended that Dan J. Sullivan misrepresented his political affiliation, citing public voting records of his father, who participated in Democratic primaries. Alaska's ranked choice voting system will advance the top four finishers from the August 18 nonpartisan primary to the November general election, with ballots scheduled to be printed on June 28, allowing limited time for legal challenges.