Caught in 4K: GOP senator peeks at opponent's answer, copies it in hilarious debate moment
KODIAK, ALASKA: Republican Sen Dan Sullivan appeared to look at Democratic challenger Mary Peltola's answer before giving the same response during a lightning-round debate in Kodiak, Alaska.
The exchange drew laughter from the audience and was later shared online by Peltola on Saturday, September 12, who wrote, "Happy to help, Dan."
Question puts Dan Sullivan on the spot
The moment came during a debate focused on Alaska's fishing industry.
Candidates were given paddles to display their answers to a series of yes-or-no questions.
A moderator asked whether the North Pacific Fishery Management Council and NOAA Fisheries adequately consider the effects of their decisions on subsistence users, salmon migration, habitat, and Indigenous ways of life.
Peltola quickly raised a paddle marked "No."
Sullivan, meanwhile, had his head down and appeared to be looking through papers when the question was asked.
A moderator then called on the senator to answer.
Sullivan put down his papers and looked up as the moderator again asked him to respond with either yes or no.
Senator checks opponent's response
Before raising his paddle, Sullivan turned toward Peltola and appeared to look at her answer.
He then held up his own paddle showing the same response: "No."
The audience immediately laughed at the exchange.
Sullivan smiled and said, "Sorry," as the debate continued.
The brief moment was later posted by Peltola on X, where she directly addressed her Republican opponent.
"Happy to help, Dan," Peltola wrote alongside the video. "Alaskans deserve a senator who knows where they stand."
The clip showed the candidates standing beside each other during the lightning round, with Sullivan initially focused on documents before being prompted to answer.
Mary Peltola seizes on viral clip
Peltola's campaign used the exchange to highlight the difference between the two candidates in the Senate race.
Her post quickly drew attention to Sullivan's response during the debate.
The candidates had been discussing issues affecting Alaska's fishing communities when the moment occurred.
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council and NOAA Fisheries play major roles in managing fisheries and marine resources that are important to communities across the state.
Sullivan's answer matched Peltola's position on the specific question, though the senator did not offer an explanation during the lightning round before the debate moved on.
Race already has two Dans
The incident adds to the unusual circumstances surrounding Alaska's Senate contest.
Sullivan is seeking another term against Peltola, a former US representative, and Dan J Sullivan, a retired teacher from Petersburg who shares the incumbent's name.
Dan J Sullivan successfully fought to remain on the ballot after Alaska election officials initially questioned whether his candidacy could confuse voters.
The state Supreme Court ultimately allowed him to continue, and he advanced through Alaska's August primary to the general election.
The incumbent appears on the ballot as Dan S Sullivan, while his namesake challenger is listed as Daniel J Sullivan Jr.
An unusual race gets stranger
The three-way contest is taking place under Alaska's ranked-choice voting system and has drawn national attention as Democrats target the Republican-held seat.
Peltola led the Senate primary, with Sen Sullivan finishing behind her and his namesake also advancing to November, according to reported election results.
