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Dunleavy Orders Probe Into Sullivan “Spoiler” Ballot Effort

By Drooid · Oct 30, 2026 · How we work

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Summary

Mary Peltola’s campaign assisted a second Dan Sullivan’s placement on Alaska’s Senate ballot.
Former manager Elisa Rios said aides told staff to recruit Alaskans named Dan Sullivan as spoilers.
Governor Mike Dunleavy ordered the Department of Public Safety to investigate possible election-law violations.
Legal experts said recruiting spoiler candidates is legal but undermines election integrity.

History

Ross Perot’s 1992 independent run captured 19 % of the popular vote—19,743,821 votes—and spurred the creation of the Reform Party, demonstrating how a well-funded outsider can reshape ballot access. In Alaska’s 2024 Senate contest, Mary Peltola’s team is accused of fielding placeholder candidates named Dan Sullivan to dilute opposition, a tactic reminiscent of Perot’s spoiler strategy and prompting Governor Mike Dunleavy to launch an investigation.

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Ross Perot’s 1992 independent run captured 19 % of the popular vote—19,743,821 votes—and spurred the creation of the Reform Party, demonstrating how a well-funded outsider can reshape ballot access. In Alaska’s 2024 Senate contest, Mary Peltola’s team is accused of fielding placeholder candidates named Dan Sullivan to dilute opposition, a tactic reminiscent of Perot’s spoiler strategy and prompting Governor Mike Dunleavy to launch an investigation.

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