Sen. Dan Sullivan Under Fire for Lavish Campaign Spending on Luxury Resorts

Scrutiny Surrounds Alaska Senator Dan Sullivan's Campaign Fund Allocations

Senator Dan Sullivan of Alaska faces increased scrutiny regarding his campaign spending, having reportedly allocated over $1.5 million from campaign funds towards luxurious dining and accommodations, as detailed in his financial disclosures.

Federal regulations permit the use of campaign contributions for meals and travel; however, these expenses must be appropriately tied to official duties rather than for personal use. Sullivan's financial activities cover the years since he took office in 2015 and continue as he seeks a third term in the upcoming election, possibly facing off against former Representative Mary Peltola.

The campaign finance concerns involve three primary entities associated with Sullivan: Alaskans for Dan Sullivan, his main campaign organization; Sullivan Victory, a joint fundraising group; and True North PAC, which he leads to help fellow Republican candidates.

In early 2026, these entities combined for a total of $65,847 in meal and lodging expenses, with about 92% of these costs incurred outside Alaska. Notably, this includes a significant $3,500 expenditure at the Four Seasons resort located in Palm Beach, Florida.

In the previous year, 2025, expenditures on accommodations and dining were reported at $333,291, which marked a considerable increase from the $164,936 spent in 2024. A recurring trend in these expenditures is the preference for hotels featuring golf amenities. In April, the Alaska Democrats issued a press release criticizing this approach.

Eric Croft, chair of the Alaska Democratic Party, remarked on the disparity by saying, “While we’re paying $5 for a gallon of gas, choosing between paying for groceries or health care, and struggling to afford housing, Self-Serving Sullivan has literally been wining and dining Lower 48 special interest donors at luxurious golf resorts.”

A specific highlight includes Sullivan's dealings with La Quinta Resort & Club in Palm Springs, California, where campaign-related entities have made 24 payments amounting to $160,737 for lodging, meals, and events. While La Quinta is generally considered mid-tier, its Palm Springs location is recognized as a luxurious resort known for its extensive golf facilities and resort-style amenities.

From 2022 through 2025, Sullivan’s campaigns accounted for over $151,000 spent at Kiawah Island in South Carolina, particularly at the Kiawah Golf Resort, a site known for hosting major golfing events like the 2021 PGA Championship.

Notably, in October 2025, Bloomberg News reported that Sullivan co-hosted a fundraiser at Kiawah Island alongside Senator John Boozman of Arkansas during a government shutdown, underscoring the overlap between fundraising and luxury outings.

This year, Sullivan's affiliated groups disclosed expenditures of $21,000 at The Phoenician in Scottsdale, Arizona, which is renowned for its golf course designed by Phil Smith and luxury spa services, with room rates that can reach as high as $9,500 per night.

Additionally, from 2019 to 2025, spending records show $2,441 in expenses at The Breakers resort in Palm Beach, located near Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate.

Such expenditures have raised questions about the consistency of Sullivan's image as a working-class advocate, often deploying a relatable aesthetic at campaign events in work boots and a Carhartt jacket while appearing to distance himself from his financial habits. Current estimates suggest his net worth stands at approximately $8.4 million.