Daniel J. Sullivan left his Alaska hometown before Senate election, sources say - CBS News

Daniel J. Sullivan, the independent Senate candidate whose name nearly mirrors the incumbent Republican senator in one of the nation’s tightest midterm races, left his hometown of Petersburg, Alaska, earlier this week, multiple sources confirmed to CBS News.

An Unexpected Departure From Petersburg

The sudden exit of the retired elementary school teacher pulls focus back onto an Alaskan election cycle already upended by allegations of ballot confusion and political recruitment. A local resident reported seeing Sullivan board a flight to Anchorage on Monday. That departure came just two days before The New York Times reported that Sullivan had been recruited by operatives linked to Democratic candidate Mary Peltola’s campaign.

Sullivan’s current whereabouts remain unknown, and friends note that he and his wife are known travelers. State election officials initially barred him from the ballot, but state courts subsequently reversed that decision. Republicans have spent months condemning the independent bid as a deliberate attempt to siphon votes from Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan, with the incumbent labeling his challenger a “sham candidate.”

Denials From the Peltola Campaign

Meanwhile, the Pelota campaign and national Democrats have denied any involvement with the second Sullivan. Peltola told supporters she was “not interested in tricking voters” and “knew nothing about” him. Over the summer, the Petersburg native maintained in interviews that his run for the Senate is entirely genuine.

A Quiet Campaign in a Remote Town

Residents of Petersburg, a remote fishing community of about 3,000 residents accessible exclusively by air or sea, report seeing virtually no trace of a traditional campaign. Local fishermen and townspeople noted an absence of mailers, flyers, brochures, or signs since Sullivan announced his candidacy last spring. A CBS News crew visiting the town days before the midterm elections confirmed zero signs of active campaigning around Sullivan’s coastal home.

Deep Divisions Among Local Voters

Reactions among local residents remain sharply divided. Andrew Worhatch, a Petersburg fisherman, stated that he has not seen a platform and does not view the bid as a serious candidacy. Conversely, supporter Keely Hankins argued that “Petersburg Dan” is uniquely suited to represent Southeast Alaska, pointing to his long tenure raising a family and teaching local children.

The controversy has also drawn frustration from residents weary of the national spotlight. Darla Kowalski called the situation embarrassing for the small fishing village.

State and Federal Investigations

The fallout has triggered aggressive state and federal responses. Following the reporting by The New York Times, Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy ordered an investigation into the recruitment allegations. Simultaneously, the U.S. Department of Justice ramped up a criminal probe, though no criminal charges have been filed against any party. In civil court, the Justice Department has also filed suit seeking to block the certification of the election should the incumbent senator lose due to voter confusion.