US Senate challenger, incumbent with same name to appear on Alaska ballot

An Alaska judge has ruled that both incumbent Republican Senator Dan Sullivan and a challenger who shares the same name can appear on the state's midterm primary ballot. The decision means that both men will be eligible to compete in the August 18 primary election.

Superior Court Judge Thomas Matthews stated that the challenger, identified as a former US Forest Service worker and retired teacher, is an eligible candidate. This ruling reverses a previous decision by the Alaska Division of Elections director. Republican Party officials had argued that having two Dan Sullivans on the ballot could confuse voters.

Some within the Republican party, including Senator Sullivan, have suggested that the challenger was recruited by Democrats to potentially siphon votes from the Republican candidate and aid Democratic Senate hopeful Mary Peltola. However, a spokesperson for Peltola, a former US representative, denied any involvement in either Sullivan campaign.

Republicans are reportedly planning to appeal the ballot decision to the state's Supreme Court. Alaska utilizes a non-partisan primary system where all candidates, regardless of party affiliation, appear on the same ballot. The top four vote-getters then advance to the general election in November. This system is intended to encourage candidates to appeal to a broader electorate.

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Mr ⁠Dan Sullivan is declared to be an eligible candidate.