VoteVets Targets Senator Dan Sullivan In Alaska Race
The super PAC is launching a new ad campaign against the incumbent senator to support Democratic candidates.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Military
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VoteVets has announced a $225,000 advertising campaign aimed at Republican Senator Dan Sullivan in Alaska. The organization is shifting its focus to support Democratic candidates, including Mary Peltola and Iowa state representative Josh Turek.
Why it matters
The spending reflects a strategic pivot by the super PAC as it directs significant financial resources toward challenging the incumbent senator in a highly contested race. This campaign underscores the national interest in the Alaska contest as both sides push for control.
VoteVets has allocated $225,000 for an anti-Sullivan ad campaign in addition to $136,000 already committed to Alaska airwaves. The group previously announced a $4.5 million plan to support Josh Turek, who has missed nearly 60% of his state House votes this year.
The players
Dan Sullivan
Dan Sullivan is the Republican senator for Alaska and a retired Marine colonel.
VoteVets
VoteVets is a super PAC that utilizes political advertising and campaign events to support preferred candidates.
Josh Turek
Josh Turek is an Iowa state representative who has served in office since 2023.
Mary Peltola
Mary Peltola is a Democratic candidate who is receiving support from the VoteVets organization.
The details
The VoteVets Action Fund is utilizing radio and streaming advertisements to reach Alaskan voters between October 13 and November 2. These efforts contrast with the group's ongoing support for Josh Turek, an Iowa state representative currently facing criticism for his high absenteeism in the state legislature.
Timeline
Dan Sullivan retired as a Marine colonel in 2024.
VoteVets announced spending plans for Josh Turek in April 2026.
Sullivan announced a plan to expand Marine presence in May 2026.
VoteVets announced a $225,000 ad campaign against Sullivan in August 2026.
Radio ads reserved by VoteVets in Alaska are set for October 13 to November 2, 2026.
Political Context
Opponents argue that the heavy involvement of national super PACs like VoteVets serves to overshadow local issues with out-of-state funding priorities. Critics of the group often point to the high absenteeism of candidates like Josh Turek as evidence that these national organizations are not prioritizing local accountability.
Alaskan voters can expect to see a significant increase in political advertising on radio and streaming platforms leading up to the election. These campaigns often clarify the legislative priorities of candidates, though they may also increase the volume of partisan messaging in the local media landscape.
The takeaway
The increased spending by national super PACs in Alaska highlights how major outside organizations are attempting to influence the outcome of the senate race. Voters should evaluate these advertisements critically to distinguish between specific policy positions and broader partisan messaging.
Further reading
For more information on defense and political developments in the region, visit the Alaska Military section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Daily Signal.
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