Former Anchorage Mayor Dan A. Sullivan (R) endorsed incumbent Sen. Dan S. Sullivan (R-Alaska) last Tuesday as the state’s Senate race features three candidates with the same name. The endorsement occurred via social media, where the former mayor urged residents to support the incumbent, identifying himself as the "OG Dan Sullivan."
The race currently includes three men named Dan Sullivan: the incumbent Senator, the former Anchorage Mayor who is not running but providing an endorsement, and a challenger, Dan J. Sullivan. The field for the November general election was finalized following the state's non-partisan primary on August 18, which also includes Rep. Mary Peltola (D-Alaska).
Leading up to the primary, Dan J. Sullivan's candidacy faced legal challenges from Sen. Dan S. Sullivan and the National Republican Senatorial Committee. They alleged his entry into the race was intended to confuse voters. Division of Elections Director Carol Beecher, a registered Republican, attempted to remove the challenger from the ballot, citing similarities between his campaign logo and that of the incumbent. In June, Superior Court Judge Thomas Matthews ruled that Dan J. Sullivan Jr. could remain on the ballot.
The legal and political friction surrounding the candidates' names has led to public disputes regarding voter intent. Some Republicans have claimed that Dan J. Sullivan, a retired teacher, is a "Democratic plant" intended to divert votes from the incumbent senator. Dan J. Sullivan has denied these claims and previously noted that he voted for the Democrat in the race, Rep. Peltola, in two prior elections. Peltola is considered a moderate who employs Republican staff, which has contributed to a tightening race according to Decision Desk HQ.
The administrative and legal attempts to disqualify candidates based on name and branding set a precedent for how election officials handle nominal similarities on the ballot. Residents will notice the specific middle initials of the candidates—Dan S. and Dan J.—as the primary tool for differentiation on their November ballots. The final results will determine which party holds the seat for the next six-year term, with the general election scheduled for November. Results from the August 18 primary confirmed that both Sullivans and Peltola advanced to this final stage.