Al Gross endorses Republican Senator Dan Sullivan for U.S. Senate
In an opinion column published by the Anchorage Daily News, former independent U.S. Senate candidate Dr. Al Gross endorsed incumbent Dan Sullivan. Gross, who previously challenged Sullivan in the 2020 Senate race as an independent candidate, argued that Alaska requires pragmatism and political clout in Washington rather than ceremonial representation.
The endorsement arrives as Alaska voters evaluate a ballot featuring two candidates named Dan Sullivan. A political unknown from Petersburg filed for the Senate race sharing the exact name of the incumbent junior senator. Gross addressed the duplicate names by suggesting that even if voters must check the middle initial, either candidate remains preferable to the alternative.
Evaluating the Alternative Candidate Mary Peltola
Gross directed his central critique at Democratic former Representative Mary Peltola, acknowledging her historic status as the first Alaska Native to serve in Congress while questioning her legislative outcomes. Gross noted that Peltola held Alaska’s sole U.S. House seat before losing her reelection bid in 2024 by slightly more than two percentage points.
According to the Anchorage Daily News commentary, Peltola spent more time attending photo opportunities at the Department of the Interior with Secretary Deb Haaland than responding to constituent communications. Gross argued that Peltola's defeat demonstrates an inability to hold a powerful seat when it counts, leaving Alaska with less influence over federal decision-making.
Senator Sullivan Uses Seniority to Defend Alaska
Contrasting the congressional records, Gross emphasized the twelve years of seniority held by incumbent Dan Sullivan. Gross pointed to Sullivan’s active role on the Senate Armed Services Committee, where the incumbent has defended Alaska’s military installations, Arctic infrastructure, and national security priorities.
The commentary stressed that the United States Senate operates as a deliberative body requiring established relationships and earned respect. Gross asserted that official Washington frequently ignores Alaska, making it essential to retain a lawmaker capable of gathering political power and pushing back against federal overreach on state lands and waters.
The Petersburg Candidate and Ranked-Choice Voting
Addressing the second candidate sharing the incumbent’s name, Gross noted that he has met the Petersburg teacher and community leader, describing him as a committed Republican dedicated to putting Alaska first. However, Gross reiterated that his primary focus remains keeping the seat within the Republican caucus.
Gross also criticized Alaska’s electoral system, arguing that ranked-choice voting functions as a political mechanism favoring minority parties. The commentary maintained that if Republican voters refuse to rank all available Republican options, the Democratic candidate stands to win, prompting a call for the system’s repeal in future elections.