Sullivan vs. Sullivan: Alaska investigates US Senate candidate who shares name with incumbent

Alaska's Lieutenant Governor Nancy Dahlstrom, the state's top elections official, has launched an investigation into a U.S. Senate candidate who shares the same name as the Republican incumbent, Senator Dan Sullivan. The challenger, Daniel James Sullivan Jr., uses the name "Dan Sullivan" on his campaign website.

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confuse or deceive

Dahlstrom cited credible allegations that the challenger filed his candidacy to mislead voters. The investigation aims to determine if he coordinated with another campaign to capitalize on the shared names and party affiliation, with the intent to confuse voters who might mistakenly cast a ballot for him instead of the incumbent. Dahlstrom stated that such actions, if proven, would constitute voter deception and diminish the rights of another candidate.

Neither of the Sullivans immediately responded to requests for comment. The challenger, described as a former U.S. Forest Service worker and elementary school teacher, filed his candidacy on May 29, aiming to "put Alaska first." His campaign website featured the slogan, "Dan Sullivan Challenges Dan Sullivan for US Senate Seat."

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amount to not only deception of voters but diminish the rights of another candidate.

By Wednesday, Dahlstrom has requested that the challenger submit a sworn affidavit. He must answer whether he was previously affiliated with the Republican Party, what name versions he has used in past voter registrations, and whether he intentionally mimicked the senator's website and logo. Additionally, Dahlstrom inquired about any interactions he had with consultants, other Senate candidates, or Democratic Party agents regarding his candidacy. He was also asked if he would object to appearing on the ballot as "Sullivan, Daniel James Jr. (non-incumbent)."

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Dan Sullivan Challenges Dan Sullivan for US Senate Seat.