Alaska Senate Race Draws Scrutiny Over Two Candidates Named Dan Sullivan Ahead of Midterms

An investigation and ensuing legal and political fallout have brought attention to an unusual Senate race in Alaska featuring two candidates named Dan Sullivan, just ahead of Tuesday's midterms.

The Ballot Confusion and Court Rulings

• Two Candidates: The ballot includes incumbent Republican Dan S. Sullivan and retired schoolteacher Dan J. Sullivan, who has previously registered as a Democrat.
• Legal Battle: After the state's Republican lieutenant governor initially disqualified Dan J. Sullivan under a regulation against confusing ballot names, the Alaska Supreme Court upheld a lower judge's reversal, allowing him to remain on the ballot.

Investigations and Political Repercussions

• Media Report: A *New York Times* article suggested a co-ordinated effort by individuals associated with Democrat Mary Peltola's campaign to recruit a namesake candidate.
• Denials: A campaign spokesperson for Peltola previously stated there was no involvement with either Sullivan campaign, and Peltola reiterated in Juneau that she knew nothing about other candidates beyond herself and the incumbent.
• Official Actions: Following the report, Republican Governor Mike Dunleavy directed the Department of Public Safety to investigate, and the U.S. Justice Department started a criminal probe alongside a separate lawsuit seeking to block certification if Dan J. Sullivan remains on the ballot.

Election experts have expressed skepticism regarding the Justice Department's lawsuit, noting that states generally run their own elections and legal mechanisms to enjoin certification are limited.