Alaska Senate Race Features Candidates With Identical Names

Juneau, Alaska — The upcoming general election in Alaska is poised to be one of the most closely followed races across the U.S. this fall. In a surprising twist, a candidate sharing the name of the sitting U.S. senator has advanced to the November ranked choice contest.

Dan J. Sullivan, referred to simply as Dan Sullivan, emerged as one of the top four contenders following the August 18 primary. The current officeholder, Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan, along with Democratic former U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola, also secured their positions to advance. The newcomer, a retired teacher from Petersburg, gained a spot on the ballot after a lawsuit. His candidacy faced challenges from allegations led by the senator and his allies, claiming that the candidate intended to mislead voters. After a state Supreme Court ruling, he was declared eligible for the ballot.

Although Dan J. Sullivan sought to appear on the ballot as a Republican, the Division of Elections registered him as Daniel J. Sullivan Jr., without party affiliation. The incumbent is listed as Dan S. Sullivan, Republican and current officeholder.

Efforts to obtain statements from the challenging Sullivan or the senator’s campaign were unsuccessful. President Trump endorsed the incumbent senator, labeling Sullivan’s candidacy a ploy to deceive voters. Dan J. Sullivan countered by critiquing the senator’s acceptance of the endorsement, accusing the president of prioritizing tariff increases over reducing living costs such as groceries, housing, and energy.

The decision for the fourth spot in the Senate general election remains undetermined. Alongside the Senate contest, Alaska’s primary ballot included races for the state’s single U.S. House seat and governor.

Republican Rep. Nick Begich, pursuing a second term, progressed to the general election with independent Bill Hill. The remaining two positions in this contest are yet to be decided. Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins and Tom Begich, both Democrats and former state legislators, advanced in the gubernatorial race, surpassing a predominantly Republican lineup competing to replace Republican Gov. Mike Dunleavy. Notably, Tom Begich is Nick Begich’s uncle. With Republican Bernadette Wilson also advancing on Tuesday, the decision for the fourth spot remains pending.

Absentee and overseas ballots are accepted by the state up to 10 days after the primary, provided they are postmarked by Election Day.

The Senate race sees the incumbent Sullivan and Peltola as leading figures due to their substantial fundraising and widespread recognition. This race is among several competitive Senate contests nationwide that are considered crucial for either party’s control of the chamber.

The inclusion of Dan J. Sullivan adds complexity to the race, given Alaska’s ranked choice voting system. In this system, candidates finishing third or fourth can significantly influence the outcome if their supporters select other candidates as alternate preferences.