Third-party and independent candidates could matter in this year's midterm elections, according to a report published October 29, 2026, by The New York Times. The article was written by Reid J. Epstein and examines how such candidates are being used in battleground races.

The Times reported that the other Dan Sullivan in Alaska has drawn the most attention among these candidates. The summary does not describe that candidate's campaign, platform, or support, and it does not give any vote figures.

The paper also reported that both parties are quietly trying to use little-known candidates in other battleground races. According to the report, the purpose is to siphon votes. The summary does not name the other races, the candidates involved, or which party is behind each effort.

The Times framed the practice as one that has long been fueled by both parties, a point its headline makes and that the summary does not expand on. The report's summary therefore supports the general claim that both parties have relied on such candidates in the past and are doing so now.

This account is based only on the title and summary of the New York Times report, not on the full article. No other outlet's reporting was consulted, and no additional names, figures, or quotes were added. Readers seeking specifics on individual races should consult the original reporting.

Sources: The New York Times: Third-Party Spoilers, Long Fueled by Both Parties, Could Matter This Year.