The Alaska Supreme Court ruled Monday that a second candidate named Dan Sullivan must be allowed to appear on the ballot in Alaska’s U.S. Senate race, rejecting state election officials’ effort to disqualify him over concerns his candidacy was intended to confuse voters.The decision carries national implications as Republicans defend a narrow Senate majority, and Alaska is expected to be among the handful of races that could determine control of the chamber. Republicans, including the National Republican Senatorial Committee, have argued that the second Dan Sullivan could siphon votes from incumbent Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan.In a brief order issued hours after oral arguments, the court affirmed a lower court ruling requiring retired Petersburg teacher Dan J. Sullivan to be restored to the August primary ballot.
The justices also directed the Division of Elections to determine how the challenger should appear on the ballot “within the confines of existing Alaska ballot design law.” Chief Justice Susan Carney said a fuller opinion will follow.The Division of Elections removed the challenger from the ballot earlier this month after concluding he filed in bad faith to mislead voters by sharing the incumbent’s name and party affiliation. On Friday, Superior Court Judge Thomas Matthews ruled the division had “abused its discretion,” finding its decision was not based on the constitutional qualifications for serving in the Senate or Alaska election law.During Monday’s arguments, several justices questioned why the division chose what Carney called “the most extreme remedy possible” instead of distinguishing the candidates by their middle initials or other identifiers.Representing the state, attorney Christopher Murray argued officials were justified because the challenger initially identified himself as “Dan S. Sullivan” before correcting his middle initial.Dan Sullivan, who has filed to run for U.S. Senate in Alaska, poses for a photo Friday, June 26, 2026, in Petersburg, Alaska. (AP Photo/Katie Holmlund)
