Daniel J. Sullivan, the independent Senate candidate in Alaska whose name matches that of incumbent Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan, has left his hometown of Petersburg just days before the midterm election, adding another development to a growing controversy over his candidacy.

Multiple sources confirmed to CBS News that the retired teacher departed Petersburg earlier this week. A former student and local resident said she saw Sullivan aboard a flight to Anchorage on Monday, two days before The New York Times published its report alleging that operatives connected to Democratic Senate candidate Mary Peltola's campaign had recruited him to enter the race.

The former student said she did not know where Sullivan was traveling. Another acquaintance described Sullivan and his wife as frequent travelers, known among friends as "world travelers." His current whereabouts remain unknown.

Residents in Petersburg, a coastal community of approximately 3,000 people accessible only by air or sea, told CBS News they had seen virtually no evidence of an active campaign. Dozens said they had not received mailers, flyers, or brochures from Sullivan and had not seen campaign signs since he announced his candidacy last spring.

A CBS News crew also found little indication of campaigning in the town just days before Election Day, including near Sullivan's home along the main coastal highway.

"I don't think it's a serious candidacy," said Andrew Worhatch, a local fisherman. "I haven't seen a platform."

Other residents have expressed frustration with the controversy. Darla Kowalski called the situation embarrassing for the small fishing community, saying it had become associated with what she described as a hoax.

Sullivan worked as an elementary school teacher in Petersburg for nearly 20 years, teaching music as well as fourth and fifth grades. He retired in 2021, according to the local school district.

Republicans have questioned his candidacy for months, arguing that the nearly identical names are intentional and designed to confuse voters in the closely contested Senate race. Sen. Dan Sullivan has described the independent candidate as a "sham candidate."

The controversy intensified after The New York Times reported on alleged efforts by operatives linked to Democrats to recruit Daniel J. Sullivan into the race. The Peltola campaign and national Democrats have denied having any connection to his candidacy. Peltola has told supporters she is "not interested in tricking voters" and said she knew nothing about the second Sullivan.

Daniel J. Sullivan previously defended his decision to run, telling The New York Times in August that he was genuinely interested in serving as a senator. State election officials initially ruled him ineligible for the ballot, but state courts later reversed that decision.

Following the latest reporting, Republican Gov. Mike Dunleavy ordered an investigation, while the Justice Department expanded its criminal inquiry into the allegations. No one has been charged with a crime.

The Justice Department has also filed a separate civil lawsuit seeking to prevent certification of the election if Sen. Dan Sullivan loses because of alleged voter confusion. The dispute has placed additional scrutiny on Alaska's Senate race as voters prepare to head to the polls.