President Donald Trump on Wednesday injected himself into Alaska's Senate race, expressing alarm over a ballot featuring two candidates with nearly identical names and accusing Democrats of engineering voter confusion.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump called the situation “totally confusing” and said it was “ridiculous that the Court didn't stop this SCAM.” He went on to allege “Election Interference” and said his team is exploring “powerful legal options” to remove one of the candidates from the ballot.
The race pits incumbent Republican Sen. Dan S. Sullivan against independent Dan J. Sullivan, a Petersburg resident with no party affiliation, as well as Democrat Mary Peltola, a former congresswoman. The two Sullivans share a surname and similar first names, a coincidence that has roiled the contest ahead of Election Day.
Earlier this year, the Alaska Division of Elections, led by Director Carol Beecher, attempted to remove Dan J. Sullivan from the primary ballot, arguing his campaign logo was deceptively similar to that of the incumbent. The move was challenged in court, and in June a Superior Court judge ruled that Dan J. Sullivan could remain on the ballot for the August primary.
Trump's post singled out the judge, saying he “should be ashamed of himself” for allowing what Trump characterized as cheating. The president also claimed that Sen. Sullivan is “leading by a lot” but that the situation undermines electoral integrity.
The controversy has drawn national attention as Republicans fight to defend their Senate majority in a challenging midterm environment. Trump's focus on Alaska follows a series of rallies in key states, including Iowa, where he has sought to energize GOP voters. The party is also bracing for tight races elsewhere, as seen in recent polling in Mississippi and Ohio.
Dan J. Sullivan's campaign has maintained that his candidacy is legitimate and that voters are capable of distinguishing between the two candidates. His legal victory ensured his name appeared on the ballot, a decision that has become a flashpoint in the broader debate over election procedures.
The Alaska race is one of several Senate contests where Republicans are playing defense, and Trump's intervention underscores the high stakes. With less than two weeks until Election Day, both campaigns are scrambling to clarify the ballot for voters, even as the president's rhetoric raises questions about the integrity of the process.
