Why are there two Dan Sullivans on the Alaska Senate ballot in the 2026 midterms?

BBC correspondent Tom Bateman explains that a second man named Dan Sullivan came through the primary to sit on the final ballot beside Republican incumbent Senator Dan Sullivan and Democrat Mary Peltola. Republicans long called him a Democratic plant meant to split their vote; the Alaska Supreme Court allowed the practice, known as ballot stacking. A New York Times investigation then reported the Democrats did plant him, which Peltola denies, and Alaska's governor has ordered an inquiry.

• Donald Trump's Justice Department has filed a lawsuit saying the result should be annulled if the second candidate proves decisive.
• Bateman expects Trump to repeat his false 2020 fraud claims if Republicans lose key seats.

Source: our own transcription of the episode. The full conversation is on Global News Podcast (2026-10-30). Read the whole episode summary →

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