Daniel Sullivan left Alaska hometown before Senate election, sources confirm amid voter confusion

Departure and campaign presence

Sources confirmed that Daniel J. Sullivan left Petersburg earlier this week. He is an independent Senate candidate whose name is nearly identical to that of Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan, who is running for reelection.

Dozens of residents said they had not seen or received campaign materials since Daniel J. Sullivan announced his candidacy last spring. A CBS News crew also found no sign of active campaigning days before the midterm election, including near his home beside the main coastal highway.

Supporters and local reaction

Sullivan has supporters in Petersburg. Keely Hankins said she believes “Petersburg Dan” is the only candidate able to represent Southeast Alaska. Some residents objected to the attention surrounding the race. Darla Kowalski called the situation embarrassing for the small fishing village and described Sullivan as a “hoaxer.”

Background and ballot dispute

Republicans have argued for months that his candidacy was intended to confuse voters in one of the country’s closest midterm Senate races. Sen. Dan Sullivan has called him a “sham candidate.” Election officials first ruled Daniel J. Sullivan ineligible, but state courts later reversed the decision.

Investigations continue

After Times reporting on alleged efforts to recruit Daniel J. Sullivan, Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy ordered an investigation, and the Justice Department expanded a criminal probe. Nobody has been charged with a crime. The Justice Department is also pursuing a civil lawsuit to prevent certification of the election if Sen. Dan Sullivan loses because of what it calls “voter confusion.”