Two Dan Sullivans to appear on Alaska’s US Senate ballot in November’s midterm elections

Republican Senator Dan Sullivan faces an unusual electoral hurdle in his bid for a third term, as a challenger with the same name will also appear on the November ballot. The incumbent has labeled the other Dan Sullivan, a retired teacher, as a "sham" candidate allegedly backed by Democrats to confuse voters.

Alaska's nonpartisan primary system advanced the top four candidates to the general election. With 85% of ballots counted, both Dan S Sullivan and Dan J Sullivan, running as Republicans, secured spots alongside Democrat Mary Peltola. The incumbent senator garnered nearly 43% of the vote, while his namesake received 2.5%. Peltola, a former U.S. House representative, is polling closely with the incumbent senator.

Election officials had initially disqualified the challenger, but the state Supreme Court ordered his reinstatement. During the primary, the senator's name was accompanied by "registered Republican" and "incumbent," while the challenger's name was unadorned. Alaska's use of ranked-choice voting in general elections could mitigate the impact of name confusion, potentially directing votes to the incumbent if voters rank both Sullivans.

This race is part of broader Democratic efforts to gain Senate seats, with key contests also anticipated in North Carolina, Ohio, Texas, Iowa, and Maine, while defending seats in Michigan, Georgia, and New Hampshire.

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sham candidate