Alaska Senate primary clears challenger sharing incumbent's name for general election
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A retired teacher named Daniel J. Sullivan Jr. secured a spot on the Alaska U.S. Senate ballot after a state Supreme Court ruling, joining incumbent Senator Dan Sullivan and other candidates in a closely watched race.
A retired teacher from Petersburg, Daniel J. Sullivan Jr., won a legal battle that placed him on the Alaska U.S. Senate primary ballot, despite earlier objections that his name could confuse voters. A state judge overturned a decision by a top elections official, and the Alaska Supreme Court affirmed his eligibility.
The Division of Elections listed the challenger as Daniel J. Sullivan Jr. without party affiliation, while incumbent Senator Dan S. Sullivan appeared as the Republican candidate. The primary also featured contests for Alaska's lone House seat and governor.
"President Donald Trump endorsed Sen. Sullivan for reelection and called the other Sullivan's candidacy an attempt to trick voters," officials noted.
"Dan J. Sullivan criticized the incumbent for embracing Trump's endorsement and said the president was 'more interested in raising tariffs on our allies than in lowering the cost of groceries, housing and energy.'",
The outcome of the fourth Senate slot remains undecided. Alaska uses ranked-choice voting, meaning candidates finishing third or fourth could influence the final result by directing preferences from their supporters.
Absentee and overseas ballots may be counted up to ten days after the primary if postmarked by election day.