The two Dan Sullivans in Alaska are Sen. Dan S. Sullivan , the incumbent Republican U.S. senator, and Dan J. Sullivan of Petersburg , a challenger who also filed as a Republican. The name matchup has been in the news because both were allowed onto the ballot after a court fight over whether the challenger could stay in the race.

Who they are

  • Dan S. Sullivan : Alaska’s incumbent U.S. senator, running for reelection.
  • Dan J. Sullivan : A Petersburg resident and former teacher who entered the race as a Republican.

Why it got attention

The unusual part is that they share the same name and party, which raised concerns about voter confusion. Alaska election officials and courts ruled that the challenger could appear on the ballot, and the state was expected to list the two candidates in a way that distinguishes them.

Ballot details

News reports said the ballot could list them as “Sullivan, Dan S. (Registered Republican) Incumbent” and “Sullivan, Daniel J. Jr.” to help voters tell them apart. The state’s primary election was scheduled for August 18.

TL;DR: Alaska’s “two Dan Sullivans” are the sitting senator Dan S. Sullivan and challenger Dan J. Sullivan of Petersburg, who survived court challenges and made it onto the ballot.