Former Anchorage mayor backs incumbent Senator Dan Sullivan amid confusing three-Sullivan race
A former Anchorage mayor has publicly endorsed incumbent Senator Dan Sullivan over a primary challenger who shares the same name, adding another twist to Alaska’s Senate contest.
Former Anchorage mayor Dan A. Sullivan, aged 75, announced his support for incumbent Senator Daniel S. Sullivan, describing him as the “original” Dan Sullivan. The endorsement occurs in a race that now features three candidates named Dan Sullivan, including Dan J. Sullivan, a 70-year-old retired teacher and forest service employee who entered the primary without party affiliation. Critics allege that Dan J. Sullivan’s presence is intended to split the vote and aid Democratic candidate Mary Peltola, who topped the primary.
President Donald Trump also weighed in, urging Alaskans to vote for the “real Dan Sullivan.” The Republican Party attempted, but failed, to remove the challenger from the ballot, arguing his campaign is a Democratic-engineered sham. Dan J. Sullivan denied any coordination with Democrats, asserting his independent right to run.
Why it matters
The endorsement highlights the unusual name confusion that could influence voter choices in a pivotal Alaska Senate race.
How this story developed
- Aug 14 Alaska Senate Contest Centers on Fish Policy, Corporate Influence and Indigenous Rights
- Aug 14 Governor Ron DeSantis said he will not endorse Rep. Cory Mills, who is under a House Ethics Committee probe and faces personal allegations, as the Florida congressional primary approaches.
- Aug 17 Days before Alaska’s Senate primary, candidate Mary Peltola’s campaign confirmed that longtime adviser Anton McParland is no longer on staff, sparking concerns about the race.
- Aug 18 A court challenge to Daniel J. Sullivan Jr.’s ballot filing was resolved, allowing his name to appear on the primary ballot.
- Aug 18 Peltola dismissed campaign manager Elisa Rios and a deputy campaign manager days before the primary.
- Aug 18 A new poll shows Ryan Elijah leading Cory Mills in the GOP primary.
- Aug 19 Primary results now show Mary Peltola leading Dan Sullivan.
- Aug 19 Trump publicly asked Cory Mills to drop out of the race and gave his full endorsement to Ryan Elijah.
- Aug 20 Elijah captured 47% of the primary vote, while Mills received 34%.
- Aug 22 Peltola pulled ahead in the Alaska Senate primary, holding roughly 48% of the vote as results came in.
- Aug 23 Alaska Supreme Court reinstated retired‑teacher Dan Sullivan’s candidacy, allowing him to appear on the November ballot.
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