Alaska Senate race features two Dan Sullivans on ballot

Incumbent Republican Senator Dan Sullivan is seeking re‑election in Alaska as the primary field expands to include an independent candidate, Dan James Sullivan, a former elementary‑school teacher from Petersburg. The similarity of their names has raised concerns about voter confusion, with the National Republican Senatorial Committee suggesting the newcomer could be a Democratic tactic, a claim the candidate and his supporters deny.

Former Democratic U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola is also in the race and leads in several polls. Alaska’s top‑four ranked‑choice primary, scheduled for Aug. 18, will determine the four candidates who advance to the November general election, where voters will rank preferences rather than select a single option.