Alaska governor opens investigation into alleged plot to plant second “Dan Sullivan” on ballot

Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy has said the alleged “Decoy Dan” scheme exposes a vulnerability in the state’s election system, as his administration investigates newly surfaced evidence days before the midterms.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, Dunleavy said The New York Times uncovered details state officials did not have when they challenged the second Sullivan’s candidacy in the summer, including alleged involvement by operatives connected to Democratic nominee Mary Peltola.

“This would have never happened if we didn’t have ranked-choice voting,” Dunleavy said. He argued a traditional primary would have kept retired schoolteacher Dan Sullivan of Petersburg off the ballot.

Peltola’s campaign has denied involvement with either Sullivan campaign. She dismissed the controversy as a distraction during a campaign appearance on Wednesday.

Dunleavy said the state Supreme Court had earlier allowed both Sullivans’ names on the ballot, with Senator Dan Sullivan marked “incumbent.”

Former FEC Chair Hans von Spakovsky said investigators should examine whether any “in-kind” services were provided to the Petersburg Sullivan.

Dunleavy said the investigation would continue for as long as necessary.