The other Dan Sullivan makes November ballot against Sen. Dan Sullivan
Retired teacher Dan J. Sullivan could play spoiler in a high-stakes Alaska Senate race.
Two Dan Sullivans are vying for a spot on the November ballot in Alaska's Senate race. Retired teacher Dan J. Sullivan has secured a place in the top-four all-party primary, potentially acting as a spoiler in the high-stakes contest between Republican Sen. Dan S. Sullivan and Democratic Rep. Mary Peltola.
Republicans vehemently opposed Dan J. Sullivan's inclusion on the primary ballot, alleging that he was a Democratic plant intended to aid Peltola's campaign. However, both Dan J. Sullivan and Peltola's team deny any coordination between them.
To counter the potential spoiler effect, Sen. Dan S. Sullivan's allies have employed tactics like running ads with his middle initial to distinguish himself from the other Dan Sullivan. Alaska's ranked-choice voting system, which will be in effect for the general election, may help reduce the spoiler effect. Nevertheless, the presence of other candidates could still influence the outcome of the crucial race.
Beyond the primary ballot fight, Peltola faces the challenge of flipping a traditionally Republican seat in a state that President Donald Trump won by 13 percentage points in 2024. She recently underwent a staffing shakeup, replacing her campaign manager in a move aimed at strengthening her campaign.
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