Republicans ask FEC to probe Senate challenger with same name

A top Alaska elections official has threatened to disqualify a U.S. Senate candidate who shares the same name and party affiliation as incumbent Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan from the state's August primary.

Division of Elections Director Carol Beecher sent a letter to challenger Dan Sullivan stating her office received two complaints regarding his eligibility and determined that "the preponderance of evidence does not support your eligibility for the office of United States Senator." She provided him with a Thursday deadline to submit any additional information.

The challenger, who lives in Petersburg, denied working with the Peltola campaign or Democrats, stating his decision to run was his own. He called Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom's investigation an "unprecedented affront to my rights as a candidate and the rights of Alaska voters."

The investigation, initiated after a complaint from the National Republican Senatorial Committee, includes questions about the challenger's party affiliation, how long he has used the name Dan Sullivan, and any interactions with other candidates or the Democratic Party. Dahlstrom stated the investigation pertains to "credible allegations" that the candidacy was not made in good faith but rather to confuse voters.

Attorneys have raised concerns that the investigation into a candidate's motivations could infringe on free speech protections. The ACLU of Alaska is monitoring the situation, noting it is unaware of similar investigations by the Lieutenant Governor's office. The challenger maintains he meets all constitutional requirements for senators, including age, U.S. citizenship for at least nine years, and residency in Alaska.