By SUZANNE DOWNING
July 7, 2026 – The cavalry has arrived: With just weeks before early voting begins in Alaska, one of the nation’s largest conservative grassroots organizations has thrown its weight behind US Sen. Dan Sullivan’s re-election campaign, pairing a formal endorsement with a six-figure statewide advertising campaign.
The first television ad began airing following the announcement from Americans for Prosperity Action, the political advocacy arm of the Americans for Prosperity network. The organization said it will deploy its grassroots volunteers across Alaska as part of its effort to help return Sullivan to the US Senate.
“AFP Action is proud to endorse Senator Dan Sullivan’s re-election campaign, and we intend to put the full force of our grassroots army behind his candidacy,” said AFP Action Executive Director Nathan Nascimento.
Nascimento cited Sullivan’s work on energy development, regulatory reform and veterans’ issues, pointing to his support for legislation aimed at reducing federal permitting delays, easing environmental regulations and expanding domestic energy production. He highlighted Sullivan’s military background and service on the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee.
“At a time when families across the state are feeling the pressure of the cost-of-living crisis, Sullivan has a track record of fighting for Alaska’s economy by advocating for policies that will bring energy innovation and production back to Alaska. In the Senate, Sullivan has cosponsored legislation to reduce burdensome EPA regulations, reduce restrictions on drilling, and streamline the permitting process.
“Alaska has the highest rate of veterans per capita in the U.S.; as a Marine Corps veteran who serves on the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, Sen. Sullivan deeply understands the issues facing Alaska’s veterans and the sacrifices they made for our country. Sullivan has dedicated his career to serving the Last Frontier – and AFP Action is dedicated to ensuring Sullivan can continue his work in Washington, D.C.”
The endorsement comes as Alaska’s US Senate race is drawing increasing national attention from outside organizations on both sides of the political spectrum. Democratic-aligned groups such as the 907 Initiative have already committed significant independent expenditures in the race, while Republican organizations have likewise begun investing heavily to defend Sullivan’s seat.
The AFP Action endorsement may carry added significance because it arrives amid the unusual controversy surrounding another candidate on the ballot: Decoy Dan — Daniel J. Sullivan Jr. of Petersburg, whose nearly identical name has generated weeks of litigation and public debate, is the Democrat strategy to skim votes from the Real Dan Sullivan.
The Alaska Division of Elections previously determined that Decoy Dan did not meet the requirements to appear on the ballot for US Senate. That decision was overturned by the state courts. His candidacy was intended to create voter confusion with the incumbent senator, allegations that Democrats and the candidate have denied but that the FBI is now looking into.
The issue has continued to attract attention after the US Department of Justice reportedly opened an investigation into the campaign of Daniel J. Sullivan Jr. following allegations involving potential wire fraud and conspiracy.
Against that backdrop, AFP Action’s advertisement identifies Sullivan as the incumbent senator and focuses on his record in office, including energy production, military service and support for Alaska’s economy.
Outside endorsements can be particularly valuable in Alaska’s relatively small media market because they are often accompanied by independent expenditures that campaigns themselves cannot coordinate. AFP Action’s six-figure advertising commitment represents one of the latest major investments by national groups in what has become one of the country’s closely watched Senate contests.
Alaska’s Aug. 18 primary just 42 days away and early voting is scheduled to begin later this month.
