Alaska's Republican Senator Dan Sullivan is seeking reelection, but his path to the ballot is complicated by a namesake challenger. Dan J. Sullivan Jr., who also runs as "Dan Sullivan," was allowed to stay on the August 18 primary ballot after a state judge ruled in June against an elections official's decision to disqualify him. The ruling came after the official cited "credible allegations" that the challenger's candidacy was designed to confuse or mislead voters.
The unusual situation has drawn national attention, as control of the U.S. Senate hangs in the balance. Incumbents across the country have faced similar challenges from candidates with identical or nearly identical names, a tactic that can sow confusion among voters. In 2020, a Republican named Raul Ruiz briefly challenged Democratic Rep. Raul Ruiz in California, but dropped out before the election. In 2018, Kansas Secretary of State added "representative" to the ballot for incumbent Ron Estes to differentiate him from a same-named challenger.
Historically, name games have had serious consequences. In 1946, John F. Kennedy's father allegedly paid a second Joe Russo to run against his son's opponent, splitting the anti-Kennedy vote. That scheme was later admitted by the other Russo. Political science professor Russell Luke, from the University of Alaska, notes that such confusion is "much more dangerous" in low-information local races, but it still casts a shadow over high-profile contests like Alaska's Senate race.
Here, the two Sullivans are competing in a top-four primary system, where the top four vote-getters advance to the general election regardless of party. That structure increases the possibility that both Sullivans could advance if enough voters are confused, as Luke pointed out, adding that the incumbent's "understandable consternation" over the situation is justified.
Senator Sullivan has alleged that his challenger is not a serious candidate but a tool to help Democratic frontrunner Mary Peltola. "There is no doubt in my view that this guy isn't in it to win it, he's in it to rig it for my Democratic opponent," Sullivan told the Wall Street Journal, suggesting the move will anger Alaskans who dislike "dirty tricks."
The Alaska Division of Elections, led by Director Carol Beecher, launched an investigation earlier this year into Dan J. Sullivan's run, noting his recent switch to the Republican Party and his ties to a consultant for Peltola. However, Peltola's team has denied any involvement, and the Alaska Democratic Party has also disavowed any connection.
Dan J. Sullivan Jr. appealed his disqualification, arguing that Alaska law does not regulate the "private motivations" of candidates. In a June statement, he said attempts to remove him "create the impression that the state government is being used to protect an incumbent senator from facing competition at the ballot box." Superior Court Judge Thomas Matthews sided with him, allowing him to stay on the primary ballot.
Despite the court ruling, the Justice Department has reportedly opened an investigation into Dan J. Sullivan's campaign, according to multiple outlets. The Hill reached out to both campaigns for comment but did not receive responses. Meanwhile, the printed ballot lists both Sullivans, though the challenger's party affiliation is omitted, a decision made by state officials to "maximize differentiation," according to Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom. The state's elections division has delayed a public records request regarding how that decision was made.
As early voting begins August 3, Alaska voters will face a ballot with two Dan Sullivans, a situation that could have significant implications for the Senate race. For more on similar ballot confusion, see our coverage of voter recasting disputes and tight GOP primaries. The outcome in Alaska could hinge on how well voters distinguish between the two candidates.
