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Daniel S. Sullivan

Daniel S. Sullivan

Republican Incumbent

Dan S. Sullivan is the incumbent Republican U.S. Senator from Alaska, first elected in 2014 and re-elected in 2020. A Harvard-educated attorney and retired Marine Corps colonel, he previously served as Alaska Attorney General (2009-2010) and Commissioner of Natural Resources (2010-2013), and held foreign policy roles in the George W. Bush administration. Sullivan serves on the Senate Armed Services, Commerce, Environment, and Veterans' Affairs committees.

Positions on Key Issues

Economy

high

Supports targeted federal investments in Alaska’s infrastructure and energy sectors to spur job growth and economic development. Advocates permitting reforms to accelerate project delivery and opposes broad, partisan spending that could threaten long-term growth.

Climate/Energy

high

Dan Sullivan supports an all-of-the-above U.S. energy strategy that expands oil, natural gas, LNG, nuclear, and critical minerals production to strengthen energy security and create jobs in Alaska and across the nation. He advocates permitting reform and faster approvals for energy infrastructure while pursuing emissions reductions through innovation and technology, not broad mandates.

Abortion & Reproductive Health

high

Dan Sullivan supports pro-life policies and returning abortion regulation to the states after Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization; he has stated support for protecting unborn life and expanding adoption and child care opportunities.

Healthcare

high

Supported the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1, 119th Congress). The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimated the bill would reduce federal Medicaid spending by more than $900 billion over a decade, though the bill's sponsors disputed that characterization. The bill included a $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program that will deliver $1.4 billion to Alaska over five years. Voted to extend Obamacare subsidies in December 2025, warning that Alaska was 'hurting' on health costs. Helped author the Rural Health Transformation Program and welcomed a $272 million initial award for Alaska in December 2025.

Immigration

high

Supports strong border security measures including the SHIELD Act to codify Title 42, which allowed the prompt removal of illegal immigrants during the COVID-19 pandemic. Urged the Biden administration not to revoke Title 42 powers, arguing it would worsen the southern border crisis. Supports enhanced enforcement at the southern border to address what he describes as a humanitarian and national security crisis.

Firearms & Second Amendment

high

Strongly opposes gun control legislation, stating that 'the right to keep and bear arms is fundamental and guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution.' Voted against the Senate gun-control legislation in June 2022, citing concerns about broad discretion left to federal courts and vague firearms restrictions. Emphasizes that Alaskans use firearms for protection, hunting, subsistence, and recreation.

Foreign Policy

high

A leading voice on China policy, advocating a hawkish strategy and warning against U.S. complacency in strategic competition. Has argued for a new American China strategy built on deterrence and alliances. Strongly supports Ukraine in its defense against Russia. Chairs subcommittee hearings on Chinese transnational repression and Arctic security. Served as chairman of the International Republican Institute board since 2018.

Civil Rights & Equality

high

Voted for the Respect for Marriage Act (2022) codifying same-sex marriage protections, but framed it as a religious liberty bill that protects the freedom of religious groups to only recognize 'traditional marriage.' In his own statement, Sullivan said he disagreed with the Obergefell v. Hodges decision but would respect the Court's ruling, and argued the bill was 'much more about promoting and expanding religious liberty protections than same-sex marriage.'

Education

high

Signed onto a bipartisan letter urging the U.S. Department of Education to reverse cuts to congressionally approved grant funding for Native American-serving colleges and universities, arguing the cuts undermine federal trust and treaty obligations to provide Native students an education.

Tech & AI

medium

Has spoken on the Senate floor about the importance of U.S. leadership in AI and biotech development, warning the U.S. must not grow 'complacent' in the competition with China. Attended a closed-door meeting with tech CEOs and senators about AI risks and the need for safeguards.

Election Policy

high

Co-sponsored the SAVE Act (S.22), which would require proof of citizenship to register to vote and photo ID to obtain a ballot. Defended the bill in a constituent letter arguing it protects election integrity without restricting participation, though critics contend the affidavit pathway for voters lacking documentation is too restrictive to function effectively.

Local Issues

high

Champions Alaska-specific priorities including bycatch limits in fisheries, Arctic energy development (Willow project), Coast Guard presence in Southeast Alaska, and securing federal investment for rural health infrastructure. Has introduced comprehensive bycatch legislation and advocated for adequate fisheries surveys.

Background

Career History

United States Senator 2015 – Present
United States Senate

Junior U.S. Senator from Alaska; serves on Armed Services, Commerce, Environment, and Veterans' Affairs committees

Commissioner of Natural Resources 2010 – 2013
Alaska Department of Natural Resources

Appointed by Gov. Sean Parnell

Attorney General of Alaska 2009 – 2010
State of Alaska

Appointed by Gov. Sarah Palin

Assistant Secretary of State for Economic, Energy, and Business Affairs 2006 – 2009
U.S. State Department

Appointed by President George W. Bush

Marine Corps Officer 1993 – 2024
United States Marine Corps / Marine Corps Reserve

Retired as Colonel; served on active duty and in reserves; deployed to Afghanistan

Education

Harvard University BA in Economics (1987)
Georgetown University Law Center JD / MS in Law and Foreign Service (1993)

Top Donors

Raised approximately $6.5M through the first quarter of 2026 (reporting period ending March 31, 2026), with $2.1M raised in Q1 alone and $7.5M cash on hand. Donations are dominated by the fishing/trawling industry: Trident Seafoods individuals gave $138K, Pacific Seafood Processors Association PAC gave $73.5K, and the oil/gas sector. Top donating states include Texas, Florida, Alaska, California, and New York.

Voting Record

Incumbent Republican Senator since 2015. Voted with the Republican caucus approximately 95% of the time in the 119th Congress (2025-2026). Sponsored and enacted the ARTIST Act, Save Our Seas 2.0 Amendments Act, and the PRO Veterans Act of 2025. Serves on Armed Services, Commerce (chairs Coast Guard subcommittee), Environment and Public Works, and Veterans' Affairs committees. Voted for the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and has championed Alaska resource development.

About this research

Data compiled from public sources and analyzed using AI. Last updated 7/11/2026. Visit candidate websites for the most current information.

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