The two candidates named Dan Sullivan running for Alaska’s U.S. Senate seat will be distinguished on the ballot by their middle initials, a move required under state law to reduce voter confusion.The unusual situation has injected a fresh dose of controversy into one of the country’s most competitive Senate races. Incumbent Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-AK) is seeking another term while facing a challenge from former Democratic Rep. Mary Peltola, who is mounting a well-funded campaign in a state Democrats hope can help the party regain a Senate majority in 2026.Complicating matters is the entry of another Republican candidate who shares the same name as the incumbent senator: Dan Sullivan.
Under Alaska’s election laws, candidates with the same last name are ordered on the ballot by first name and, when necessary, middle initial. Voters will see the incumbent listed as “Dan S. Sullivan” and his challenger as “Dan J. Sullivan.” The two have no known relation.
Dan J. Sullivan announced his candidacy last week, arguing that the incumbent has lost sight of Alaska’s interests.
“For too long, Senator Sullivan has failed to put Alaska first,” he said in a campaign statement. “When you truly care about a people and a place, you have a duty to make every sacrifice within your power to protect them. That’s why I’m running.”
