Dan Sullivan vs. Dan Sullivan: The Senate Candidate Stirring Up Alaska

Republican Senator Dan Sullivan is facing a challenger with a nearly identical name: Daniel J. Sullivan Jr., a retired teacher. Republicans, backed by the Trump administration, have filed a lawsuit alleging voter confusion. The other candidate insists his decision to run is independent.

In the upcoming Alaska Senate election, incumbent Republican Senator Dan Sullivan is facing an additional candidate with a nearly identical name: Daniel J. Sullivan Jr., a retired teacher. Republicans fear the similarity in names will confuse voters and siphon votes from the incumbent, and have filed a lawsuit with support from the Trump administration. The lawsuit seeks to prevent certification of results if the senator loses, should votes for the similarly named rival prove decisive. The other candidate insists his decision is independent. The senator is also facing Democrat Mary Peltola, and the race could impact control of the Senate.