Left: Dan Sullivan, an Alaska Republican senator. Right: “Republican” Senate candidate Dan Sullivan
Reported by:
Cherry Meigh Timbol
News Content Editor
Published November 2, 2026
President Donald Trump said Sunday on Truth Social that Daniel J. Sullivan Jr., an independent candidate in Alaska’s U.S. Senate race, has “DISAPPEARED,” and said that “He knows that he committed a Criminal Act.” Trump referred to him as the “Fake Daniel J. Sullivan, Jr.” He also wrote that nobody can find him, including law enforcement. Trump did not provide evidence for the claims.
Trump also named lawyers Marc Elias and Norm Eisen, calling them criminals who abuse the law.
Candidate’s departure from hometown
CBS News reported that Sullivan, a retired teacher from Petersburg, left town on Monday, Oct. 26, according to multiple sources. A former student saw him on a flight to Anchorage, but his destination is unknown. A friend described him and his wife as “world travelers.” CBS found no visible sign of active campaigning at home, and the report did not establish why he traveled. Sullivan has said he genuinely wants to serve.
Investigations
The New York Times reported Oct. 28 that aides to Democratic candidate Mary Peltola helped recruit Sullivan. Peltola says she “knew nothing about” the second Sullivan, and national Democrats deny any connection. The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee said it was not involved with him.
Gov. Mike Dunleavy ordered a state investigation, and the Justice Department expanded a criminal probe. No one has been charged, and a federal prosecutor declined to say what crimes, if any, were being investigated. Reports put the number of subpoenas at dozens, with one outlet citing more than 40.
Legal and electoral context
A federal judge dismissed the Justice Department’s lawsuit seeking to segregate ballots cast for Sullivan, ruling on procedural grounds. The department plans to appeal. The suit also sought to halt certification if Peltola defeats Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan.
Alaska’s elections director removed Sullivan from the ballot in June, but he later appeared on it. Sen. Sullivan has called him a “sham candidate.” In the August primary, Peltola received 49.5%, Sen. Sullivan 41.4% and Daniel J. Sullivan 2.5%. Sen. Sullivan told CNN he would accept the results and would “let the lawyers figure out” whether a crime occurred. (Petersburg Dan Sullivan removed from Senate race +4)
The general election is Tuesday, Nov. 3.
