Petersburg teacher exits Alaska days before Senate vote

Daniel J. Sullivan left Petersburg, Alaska, earlier this week. The independent Senate candidate departed his hometown two days before a New York Times report claimed he was recruited by operatives tied to Democrat Mary Peltola's campaign. A resident and former student confirmed seeing Sullivan on a flight to Anchorage on Monday. She did not know his final destination. Another friend noted that Sullivan and his wife are known as world travelers.

Voters in the town of approximately 3,000 residents reported seeing no local campaign activity. Dozens of residents told CBS News they received no mailers, flyers, brochures, or signs since Sullivan announced his candidacy last spring. A CBS News crew visiting the area found no evidence of active campaigning outside Sullivan's home. The house sits next to the main coastal highway. Andrew Worhatch, a local fisherman, said he has not seen a platform. He called the effort not a serious candidacy.

Supporters maintain that the candidate represents Southeast Alaska. Keely Hankins, a local voter, said she has known Sullivan for years. She described him as a role model for his students and a good parent. Hankins argued that careful voters can distinguish the two candidates by reading the ballot. She pointed to the full names listed: Daniel J. Sullivan, Jr., and Dan Sullivan, incumbent. She said the distinction is clear on the paper.

Other residents feel the national attention is unwelcome. Darla Kowalski described the situation as embarrassing for a small fishing village. She referred to the candidate as a hoaxer. The local school district stated that Sullivan taught music and fourth and fifth grade for nearly 20 years. He retired from the district in 2021. Petersburg is accessible only by air or sea.

Partisan arguments have centered on voter confusion in a close race. Republicans have argued for months that the name similarity was designed to confuse voters. Sen. Dan Sullivan, the incumbent Republican, called the independent candidate a sham. State election officials initially ruled the independent ineligible for the ballot. State courts later reversed that decision. The Peltola campaign and national Democrats have denied any connection to the independent candidate. Peltola stated she knew nothing about the second Sullivan.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy and the Justice Department are involved in the aftermath of the recent reporting. No one has been charged with a crime. The Justice Department filed a civil suit to block the certification of the election if the incumbent loses due to voter confusion.

Sources confirm Sullivan left the area before the midterm elections. The town remains quiet with no visible campaign materials. The legal challenge is ongoing in civil court.