Key facts
- Alaska's US Senate election features three candidates named Dan Sullivan.
- Incumbent Republican Dan S. Sullivan is seeking a third term.
- Challenger Dan J. Sullivan, a retired schoolteacher, emerged from the primary.
- Former Anchorage Mayor Dan A. Sullivan endorsed incumbent Dan S. Sullivan.
- President Donald Trump publicly supported the incumbent Dan S. Sullivan.
- Republicans alleged Dan J. Sullivan's candidacy was a Democratic ploy to confuse voters.
Alaska's US Senate race has taken an unusual turn with three candidates bearing the name Dan Sullivan competing for the seat. The Republican incumbent, Dan S. Sullivan, is seeking a third term and has garnered support from former Anchorage Mayor Dan A. Sullivan, who declared himself the 'OG Dan Sullivan.' This endorsement comes as incumbent Dan S. Sullivan faces a challenge from Dan J. Sullivan, a retired schoolteacher with no prior political experience, and Mary Peltola, a former Democratic congresswoman.
The presence of Dan J. Sullivan has fueled accusations that he is a Democratic plant intended to siphon votes from the incumbent, thereby aiding Peltola's chances. President Donald Trump publicly urged voters to support the 'real Dan S. Sullivan,' warning of an 'imposter' on the ballot. The Republican party also unsuccessfully pursued legal action to prevent Dan J. Sullivan from participating, arguing his campaign was a manufactured sham.
Dan J. Sullivan, who is running without a party affiliation, has denied these allegations, stating his decision to run is personal and stems from dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs in the US. He asserts his right to run for office. Former Mayor Dan A. Sullivan, at 75, is older than both incumbent Dan S. Sullivan (61) and Dan J. Sullivan (70), and also served on Anchorage's governing assembly from 1999 to 2008, preceding the senator's entry into elected office.