By SUZANNE DOWNING
June 29, 2026 – The Alaska Supreme Court on Monday ruled that Decoy Dan, (Daniel J. Sullivan), the Petersburg man whose candidacy has sparked a legal battle over attempted voter confusion, may appear on the Aug. 18 primary ballot for the US Senate.
The decision came shortly after the court heard oral arguments in the expedited case. Four justices participated after Justice Dario Borghesan recused himself from the matter.
Alaska Supreme Court hears case of Decoy Dan
During the hearing, the justices repeatedly questioned attorneys about where Alaska law explicitly requires that a candidate file “in good faith,” signaling skepticism toward the state’s position that the Division of Elections could disqualify a candidate on that basis. Those questions foreshadowed the court’s ruling.
The high court allowed Friday’s decision by Anchorage Superior Court Judge Thomas Matthews to stand, meaning Decoy Dan Sullivan will remain on the ballot while the court prepares a more detailed opinion.
In its brief order, the court also directed the Alaska Division of Elections “to determine” how Daniel J. Sullivan shall be listed as a candidate within the confines of existing Alaska ballot design law.
Decoy Dan Sullivan filed as a Republican two days before filing for Senate. He had never been registered as a Republican in his 40-some years as an Alaskan voter. He also attempted to appear on the ballot using the middle initial “S.,” matching the incumbent senator.
Division of Elections Director Carol Beecher determined that Daniel J. Sullivan’s declaration of candidacy had not been filed in good faith and disqualified him from the ballot.
That decision came after complaints from the Alaska Republican Party and the National Republican Senatorial Committee, both of which argued that Democratic activists had encouraged Sullivan to enter the race to siphon votes from the incumbent Republican senator. The entire scam is believed to be an attempt to drain votes away from the senator and allow Democrat Mary Peltola a glide path to victory.
One thought on “Scam candidate Decoy Dan wins in Alaska Supreme Court, will appear on August primary ballot”
Next stop SCOTUS.
https://courthousenews.com/supreme-court-keeps-former-dnc-candidate-off-ohio-gop-primary-ballot/
Just a quick review of the facts show just how similar these cases are. Samuel Ronan swore under penalty of perjury that his candidacy is in accordance with state election law, as did Daniel J. Sullivan Jr. A protest of the candidacy for Samuel Ronan was filed, same with Daniel J. Sullivan Jr. The candidacy of Samuel Ronan to appear on the primary ballot was invalidated by the relevant election body citing state laws, likewise with Daniel J. Sullivan Jr. Nobody challenged the candidacy for Samuel Ronan due to his age, citizenship, or residency requirements, the same holds true for Daniel J. Sullivan Jr. A strikingly similar set of circumstances in one SCOTUS upheld the State Supreme Court decision, stay tuned we will see what happens next.