Daniel J. Sullivan, an independent candidate for the Alaska Senate, reportedly left his hometown just days before the election, as per CBS News.
A former student informed CBS that she spotted the retired teacher on a flight from Petersburg to Anchorage on Monday. This occurred just two days prior to when the New York Times released an investigation linking his candidacy to a recruitment effort by individuals connected to the campaign of Democrat Mary Peltola.
The details surrounding Sullivan’s trip—like the reason for it or his destination after Anchorage—were not clear. A friend mentioned to CBS that both he and his wife often travel.
His departure coincides with state and federal inquiries into claims that Democratic operatives may have assisted in placing him on the ballot to mislead voters ahead of the November 3 Senate election. Sullivan insists he entered the race independently, while Peltola and national Democrats have denied any involvement.
Residents in Petersburg, a fishing town with a population of about 3,000 that is accessible only by air or sea, told CBS that they hadn’t received any campaign materials or noticed signs advocating for Sullivan since he announced his candidacy in the spring. The CBS team also observed a lack of visible campaign activity, even near his own residence along the community’s main coastal road.
Local fisherman Andrew Worhatch expressed skepticism about Sullivan’s commitment to the campaign, stating, “I don’t think it’s a serious candidacy. I haven’t seen a platform.”
Sullivan spent nearly two decades teaching music and fourth and fifth grades in the local school district before retiring in 2021, as noted by the district.
However, some locals defended him. Keely Hankins shared with CBS that she has confidence in Sullivan, citing her familiarity with his family and his dedication to students. She argued that voters could easily differentiate the candidates based on their names and the incumbent designation.
Conversely, some residents were less forgiving. “It’s just embarrassing to think that we, a small fishing village, have such a hoaxer,” said resident Darla Kowalski.
The alleged recruitment efforts reportedly involved lawyers from Peltola’s campaign and aides from the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, according to the Times. Former campaign manager Elisa Rios stated that Peltola was aware of the efforts, despite not participating directly.
In response, Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy (R) directed the state Department of Public Safety to investigate whether the purported scheme violated state law and if any criminal or civil action was warranted.
Federal prosecutors are also conducting a separate criminal investigation into the circumstances surrounding Sullivan’s race entry. This investigation, which has been ongoing for months, intensified following the publication of the Times findings. Investigators are preparing to secure communications and issue grand jury subpoenas, with the inquiry likely continuing past Election Day.
