The Alaska Supreme Court ruled in late June to keep Dan J. Sullivan, a retired fifth-grade teacher, on the ballot for the state’s Senate primary, allowing him to compete alongside incumbent Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-AK) and former Democratic Rep. Mary Peltola. The decision followed a legal challenge by the incumbent, who argued the challenger’s candidacy was a Democratic tactic to confuse voters.
The Alaska Division of Elections had previously attempted to remove Dan J. Sullivan from the ballot, stating his candidacy was not in good faith and intended to mislead. However, the court sided with the challenger, affirming his right to participate in the state’s nonpartisan top-four primary on Tuesday. This system allows all candidates, regardless of party, to run in a single primary, with the top four advancing to the general election.
Polls indicate a tight race between the two Republicans and Peltola. A July New York Times-Siena University poll showed Sen. Sullivan leading Peltola 47%-45%, within the poll’s margin of error. Earlier surveys had Peltola ahead: an Alaska Survey Research March poll showed her leading 49%-44%, while an April survey had her ahead 49%-43%. The Cook Political Report rated the race as a toss-up, citing competitive polling and the potential impact of two candidates sharing the same name.
President Donald Trump has weighed in, calling Dan J. Sullivan’s campaign Democratic “trickery” and endorsing the incumbent. The Justice Department is investigating claims of voter confusion, though no official action has been announced. Republicans, including the incumbent, have also criticized the challenger’s candidacy, arguing it could split the Republican vote.
Democrats are actively supporting Peltola, who won a statewide race in 2022 to become the first Indigenous member of Congress and first woman to represent Alaska’s at-large House seat. Her campaign has emphasized her crossover appeal in a traditionally Republican state, framing the race as a potential opportunity for Democrats to gain a Senate seat.
The primary on Tuesday will determine which candidates advance to the general election in November, where the top four vote-getters will compete under Alaska’s ranked-choice voting system. The outcome could influence control of the U.S. Senate, as Democrats aim to secure the four seats needed to regain a majority.