Two Dan Sullivans: What to know about Alaska’s Senate race as ballot fight heats up

October 29, 2026 / 4:40 PM EDT / CBS News

Washington — A candidate bearing nearly the same name as sitting Sen. Dan Sullivan has drawn scrutiny in Alaska's Senate race, as Republicans and the Trump administration raise the alarm bells over the possibility of confusing voters.

And although the Democrat in the race, Mary Peltola, has denied any involvement, new reporting from The New York Times details an alleged secret effort by people aligned with her campaign to help recruit the second Dan Sullivan.

The race between Sullivan and Peltola has appeared closer than initially expected in a state that President Trump won by double digits in 2024. But the second Sullivan has added a wrinkle.

Here's what to know about the Alaska Senate race:

Alaska voted to change its election system in 2020, introducing a nonpartisan primary and a ranked-choice general election. The unique system, which was first implemented in 2022, aimed to move the state away from party primaries in an attempt to stymie polarization.

Now, as Alaska voters head to the polls, they face four options for Senate, after the state held a top-four primary in August. The incumbent Sullivan — identified on the ballot as…

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