Sullivan bets on 2026 vote as Peltola denies spoiler allegations

Sen. Dan Sullivan says he will win re-election in November.

The Republican incumbent spoke at his campaign headquarters in Wasilla on Thursday evening. He addressed a New York Times article that alleges operatives linked to his opponent, Mary Peltola, recruited a candidate with his name to draw votes. The specific allegation involves Dan J. Sullivan, a man from Petersburg who appears on the ballot.

Sullivan expressed confidence that Alaskans want honesty from their representatives. He cited his previous working relationship with Peltola in the U.S. House from 2022 to 2024. Peltola served alongside Sullivan and Sen. Lisa Murkowski during that period. She lost her bid for re-election to Nick Begich III in 2024.

When asked if he believed Peltola supported the actions described in the article, Sullivan answered yes. He stated that campaigns reveal character and that the Peltola campaign relies on lies. He mentioned a website called PeltolaLies.com that tracks these claims. Sullivan argued that Peltola resorts to these tactics because she lacks a strong record to campaign on.

The Peltola campaign denied involvement in the Dan J. Sullivan candidacy. A statement sent by the campaign on Wednesday evening said the Alaskans for Mary group has no connection to either Sullivan campaign. The statement noted that the Republican Party has frequently supported third party spoiler candidates in Alaska.

Sullivan contrasted his approach to campaigning with what he sees in the current race. He said he has run Senate campaigns before and does not typically use the accusations he is making now. He believes Alaskans expect more from their elected officials and that truth will prevail in the final vote.

The race also involves a legal challenge filed by President Trump’s Justice Department. The lawsuit seeks to block the certification of the Senate race if Sullivan narrowly loses. Sullivan noted that President Trump won re-election in Alaska by strong margins. He added that Trump cannot run for president again, so Sullivan is focused on his own election.

Peltola addressed the legal and campaign issues during a rally in Homer on Tuesday. A photographer captured her in the parking lot after she declined an interview request. She said she has confidence that Alaskan voters know what they are doing. She expressed belief in the rule of law and free and fair elections.

The Peltola campaign had not returned an email from the news source by Thursday evening. The election is scheduled for November 3, 2026. Voters in Anchorage and the rest of the state will decide between the incumbent Republican and the Democratic challenger.