Daniel J. Sullivan, an independent candidate for the U.S. Senate in Alaska, has left his hometown of Petersburg, multiple sources confirmed. The candidate, who shares a name nearly identical to the Republican incumbent, Dan Sullivan, reportedly departed the small fishing community earlier this week. His current whereabouts remain unknown.
A former student of the independent candidate reported seeing him on a flight to Anchorage this past Monday. This sighting occurred just two days before press reports surfaced alleging he was recruited by political operatives connected to Democrat Mary Peltola’s campaign. While his destination remains unconfirmed, acquaintances familiar with the candidate and his wife noted they are frequent travelers.
Despite his status as a candidate since the spring, locals in Petersburg report an absence of traditional campaigning.
Residents told observers they have not encountered flyers, mailers, or campaign signs, nor did they see active promotion outside the candidate’s residence near the coastal highway. Petersburg, a town of approximately 3,000 residents reachable only by sea or air, was where the former elementary school teacher taught music and primary grades for two decades before his 2021 retirement. According to the source added she did not know where Sullivan was headed, but another friend, He and his wife are known among friends as “world travelers. A crew on the ground in Petersburg likewise found no indication of any active campaigning by the candidate, including outside his own home, which sits adjacent to the main coastal highway, just days before the midterm elections. According to the local school district in Petersburg — a town of around 3,000 accessible only by air or sea —, Sullivan taught music and fourth and fifth grade for nearly 20 years before retiring in 2021. Sullivan, with Peltola telling supporters she is “not interested in tricking voters” and “knew nothing about” the second Sullivan. This story published first on at 3:41 p.m. on Oct.
Public opinion in his hometown is divided. Some, like local fisherman Andrew Worhatch, dismissed the bid as lacking substance, noting the absence of a clear platform. Others defended the candidate, with supporter Keely Hankins describing him as a strong role model capable of representing the region. Hankins encouraged voters to pay close attention to the ballot to distinguish between the two candidates. According to i know he’s raised good children, and he’s always been a really great role model for his students,” Hankins maintained. “If you intend to vote and intentionally vote, you know who you’re going to vote for, and it, ‘Daniel J.
The race has sparked broader tension, with critics labeling the candidate a spoiler. Local resident Darla Kowalski expressed frustration over the national attention, calling the situation embarrassing for the community. Republicans have consistently argued that the candidacy is designed to confuse voters in a highly competitive race, prompting the incumbent to brand his opponent a “sham candidate.”
Although state election officials initially sought to block his ballot access, court rulings later overturned that effort. Both national Democrats and the Peltola campaign have explicitly denied any involvement in the candidacy. In recent interviews, the Petersburg native maintained that his bid is a genuine effort to serve in the Senate.
The emergence of these allegations has triggered significant legal and official responses. Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy has ordered an official investigation into the alleged recruitment efforts, and the U.S. Department of Justice has initiated a criminal probe. While no charges have been filed, federal prosecutors have also moved in civil court to seek an injunction against certifying the election if the incumbent loses due to voter confusion.
As of late October 2026, the situation remains unresolved, with the Justice Department continuing to monitor the potential impact on the integrity of the midterm election cycle.
