Alaska Ballot Strategy: Peltola Aides Allegedly Recruited Rival Dan Sullivan

A New York Times investigation published Wednesday reports that operatives for US Senate candidate Mary Peltola sought to recruit spoiler candidates to dilute the vote share of Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan in Alaska. The internal project, labeled the "ballot composition project," aimed to exploit the state's ranked-choice voting system by placing a second candidate named Dan Sullivan on the general election ballot.

The effort reportedly began in the summer of 2025 when a Peltola staffer searched voter records for individuals matching the incumbent senator's name. The search identified Dan J. Sullivan, a retired teacher from Petersburg, who entered the race in May. Although Sullivan has stated he ran independently, the Times found that Jerid Kurtz, an Ohio-based Democratic operative, played a central role in recruitment efforts. Kurtz traveled across Alaska using the alias "Zane" to approach potential candidates in bars and private meetings.

Federal Election Commission records show a pro-Peltola super PAC paid approximately $87,000 to Wingspan Strategies, a firm co-owned by Kurtz. The PAC denied hiring Kurtz personally. Matthew Salisbury of Anchorage identified Kurtz as the "Zane" who encouraged him to run and promised financial support. Gerald Heikes, a Republican drywall contractor who secured a ballot slot, also said a Midwest man encouraged him to run and promised outside aid, though he did not name Kurtz directly.

Text messages reviewed by the Times revealed months of discussions among senior aides and national Democratic officials. Anton McParland, Peltola's former chief of staff, proposed creating a new right-wing party in January, writing, "Imagine if there was a MAGA party!" Andrew Piatt, director of campaigns for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, replied, "Smart. Let's see." The plan was abandoned in May. The group also worked to persuade Democrat David Leslie to withdraw after the August primary, a move that allowed Heikes to claim the fourth spot on the ballot.

Former Peltola campaign manager Elisa Rios, who was dismissed in August, told the Times that Peltola was "definitely aware" of the operation, even if not directly involved. Rios later attempted to retract her statements to the newspaper, though the outlet said other interviews and documents corroborated her account. Both the Peltola campaign and the DSCC denied recruiting any candidates. The campaign told the Times it had "no involvement" with either Sullivan campaign.

These revelations follow a federal lawsuit filed by the Trump administration in early October. The Justice Department seeks to block certification of Alaska's Senate results if voter confusion between the two Sullivans affects the outcome. The Republican incumbent appears on the ballot as Dan S. Sullivan, while his namesake is listed as Daniel J. Sullivan Jr. with no party affiliation. The Alaska Supreme Court ruled in June that the second Sullivan could remain on the ballot.

The general election is scheduled for November. The Times noted that election law experts have questioned the federal government's legal basis for challenging certification over potential voter confusion.