Alaska Judge Lets Duplicate Candidate Run

Durham News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jun 27, 2026 · 1m

A judge has ruled that a challenger named Dan J. Sullivan — identical in name and party to incumbent Senator Dan Sullivan — can appear on Alaska’s August primary ballot, rejecting the state’s claim that his candidacy was a deceptive “sham.” The election director had sought to disqualify him, alleging voter confusion and ties to Democrats, but the court found the state created an unlawful rule. The challenger, a retired teacher, insists he’s running on merit, frustrated with the senator’s record, and says his shared identity gives him a platform. With ballot printing deadlines looming, this…