Trump Sends Out Election Day Warning
With Alaska voters heading to the polls Tuesday in a Senate race that could play a major role in determining control of the chamber, President Donald Trump is warning Republicans to pay close attention to the names on their ballots. The concern centers on Republican Sen. Dan S. Sullivan, who is seeking a third term, […]
With Alaska voters heading to the polls Tuesday in a Senate race that could play a major role in determining control of the chamber, President Donald Trump is warning Republicans to pay close attention to the names on their ballots.
The concern centers on Republican Sen. Dan S. Sullivan, who is seeking a third term, and another candidate with a nearly identical name: Daniel J. Sullivan Jr.
Trump argued in a social media post that the second Sullivan is creating confusion for Republican voters and urged supporters to make sure they cast their ballots for the incumbent.
“Don’t let these Fraudsters get away with this HOAX,” Trump wrote.
Daniel J. Sullivan Jr., a retired teacher and registered Republican, has rejected claims that he entered the race to deceive voters. He told the Associated Press in June that his decision to run was personal.
“I just decided it was something I needed to do,” he said.
He also denied that he was attempting to mislead anyone.
“I’m not trying to trick people,” Sullivan Jr. said.
Republicans backing Sen. Sullivan see the situation differently.
Alaska’s Division of Elections initially rejected Sullivan Jr.’s candidacy, concluding that it was not a “good-faith candidacy.” Election officials said they believed the filing was intended to confuse voters or interfere with the fairness of the ballot.
The dispute eventually reached the courts. Opponents of Sullivan Jr.’s candidacy pointed to his political history, including the fact that he reportedly changed his party registration to Republican shortly before filing to run.
They described him as a sham candidate whose presence on the ballot could create confusion and potentially benefit Democratic U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola, who is also running for the Senate seat.
Despite those objections, the Alaska Supreme Court allowed Sullivan Jr. to remain in the race.
The Senate ballot now includes 16 candidates, among them Sen. Dan S. Sullivan, Daniel J. Sullivan Jr. and Peltola.
Alaska’s election system adds another layer of importance to the primary. Under the state’s top-four system, the four candidates receiving the most votes advance to the November general election, regardless of party affiliation.
That makes Tuesday’s results especially significant in a race already receiving national attention.
Trump made clear that he believes Republicans need to rally around the incumbent.
“Be careful, VOTE FOR THE REAL DAN SULLIVAN TODAY,” Trump wrote in another post. He also credited the senator with helping bring federal money to Alaska and accused Democrats of benefiting from the presence of another Sullivan on the ballot.
The Alaska race matters beyond the state itself because the balance of power in the U.S. Senate is relatively narrow. Republicans currently hold a 53-47 advantage, with two independents caucusing with Democrats.
A Democratic victory in Alaska would make the path to Senate control easier for the party, while Republicans are trying to protect an incumbent seat in a state that has traditionally favored GOP candidates in federal elections.
Trump also reinforced his support for Sen. Sullivan on Sunday, giving him what he called his “Complete and Total Endorsement” for another term.
“SULLIVAN, Dan S has my Complete and Total Endorsement for Re-Election,” Trump wrote. “HE WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN.”