Dan Sullivan Endorses Dan Sullivan to Beat Dan Sullivan in Alaska
Alaska's already unusual Senate race just got another twist: a third Dan Sullivan has entered the fray, endorsing the incumbent senator over a primary opponent who happens to share his exact name.
Former Anchorage Mayor Dan A. Sullivan endorsed Republican Sen. Dan S. Sullivan for reelection on Tuesday, Aug. 23, over retired teacher Dan J. Sullivan and Democratic former Rep. Mary Peltola. In a Facebook post, the former mayor wrote, "As the OG Dan Sullivan, I urge Alaskans to vote for Sen. Dan S. Sullivan." He added, "He's been great for Alaska."
How Three Dan Sullivans Ended Up in the Same Race
The confusion traces back to Dan J. Sullivan's entry into the race in June, a bid that immediately drew scrutiny from the incumbent senator's campaign and fellow Republicans. Sen. Dan S. Sullivan and his allies have alleged that the teacher was placed on the ballot specifically to confuse voters and pull support away from the senator, going as far as claiming he was working in coordination with Peltola's campaign. Dan J. Sullivan has denied coordinating with the Peltola campaign, describing himself instead as a legitimate moderate Republican challenger. Peltola has also denied any involvement with the second Sullivan's candidacy.
Adding to the intrigue, campaign filing records show that Democratic strategist Amber Lee, who has previously supported Democratic candidates in Alaska, wrote the June announcement launching Dan J. Sullivan's campaign. Election officials also noted that Dan J. Sullivan had not registered as a Republican until shortly before launching his campaign under that party's banner, and that he asked to appear on the ballot as "Dan S. Sullivan," dropping his own middle initial in favor of the senator's.
Legal Fights Over the Ballot
Carol Beecher, director of the Alaska Division of Elections, attempted to remove Dan J. Sullivan from the ballot ahead of the state's Aug. 18 primary. After he challenged that decision, Superior Court Judge Thomas Matthews ruled that he could remain on the ballot. The U.S. Department of Justice has also issued grand jury subpoenas as part of an investigation into whether Dan J. Sullivan entered the race with the intent of confusing voters.
President Donald Trump weighed in ahead of the primary as well, posting on Truth Social, "ALASKA: Be careful, VOTE FOR THE REAL DAN SULLIVAN TODAY." Trump added, "The Dumocrats know how good he is and have put up an imposter of the same name."
Where the Race Stands Now
Both Sen. Dan S. Sullivan and Peltola advanced to the November general election following Alaska's ranked-choice primary, which sends its top four finishers forward regardless of party. With primary votes still being counted, Peltola held roughly 48% of the vote to the senator's 43%, while Dan J. Sullivan trailed with about 2.4%. It remains unclear whether Dan J. Sullivan will be among the final four candidates advancing to November.
The race is considered one of the most competitive Senate contests of the cycle, with Democrats viewing the seat as a genuine flip opportunity and The Cook Political Report rating it a tossup.
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