A federal judge has overturned Alaska's election office decision that would have blocked one Dan Sullivan from running against the other in the state's Senate contest.
The ruling reinstates Dan J. Sullivan as a candidate, clearing the way for him to challenge incumbent Dan S. Sullivan on the November ballot. The elections office had previously determined that Dan J. Sullivan failed to meet eligibility requirements for the race.
The decision came after the elections office rejected his candidacy, citing unspecified grounds for ineligibility. However, the judge found that reasoning insufficient and reversed the agency's action, allowing both candidates to proceed to the general election.
The case highlights quirky realities of Alaska politics, where two candidates sharing the same name will now compete directly for the same seat. Voters will need to distinguish between the two Sullivans on their ballots come Election Day.
The incumbent Dan S. Sullivan has held the seat since 2015 and was seeking another term. The judge's order means he will face a challenger bearing his identical first and last name, creating an unusual dynamic for the campaign and for voters heading to the polls.
Author Sarah Mitchell: "A judge just handed Alaska voters a ballot quirk nobody saw coming, and now two Dan Sullivans will duke it out for the same Senate seat."
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