Man with same name as Alaska Sen. Dan Sullivan can appear on ballot, court rules

The battle of the Dan Sullivans is officially on for Alaska's GOP Senate primary. The Alaska Supreme Court ruled Monday that Daniel J. Sullivan, a man sharing the same name as the incumbent Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan, can challenge the senator in the August primary.

“

The court does not minimize the Division's concern that voters should not be misled.

State officials had previously determined that the challenger was ineligible, arguing his candidacy was not in "good faith" but rather intended to confuse voters. They pointed to his initial request to be listed as "Dan Sullivan," the senator's name format, his lack of prior affiliation with the state Republican Party, a website design similar to the senator's, and his work with a political consultant linked to Democratic candidates.

However, a lower court judge reversed this decision, stating the non-senator Sullivan met the requirements to run for U.S. Senate and that the state lacked the authority to exclude him based on "good faith." The Alaska Supreme Court upheld this ruling, directing the state's Division of Elections to decide how Daniel J. Sullivan should appear on the ballot within existing legal parameters.

“

Alaska election law gives the Division tools to address that concern.

The case is unfolding in a closely watched Senate election, with Sen. Sullivan seeking a third term. He has labeled his namesake a "sham candidate" aiming to help Democrats flip the seat in the traditionally red state. The challenger, a retired teacher and former U.S. Forest Service employee, denies these allegations and insists on his genuine interest in running.

“

sham candidate