In Alaska's U.S. Senate race, a former mayor named Dan Sullivan has endorsed the incumbent Dan Sullivan over a challenger who shares their name, adding another absurd twist to an already bizarre election.
The incumbent, Dan S. Sullivan, is seeking a third term. His opponents include Mary Peltola, a former Democratic congresswoman, and Dan J. Sullivan, who emerged from an August 18 primary to join a four-candidate field. Dan J. Sullivan's presence has led to accusations that he is a Democratic plant, aiming to split votes and help Peltola win.
Donald Trump, whose Republican party is expected to lose seats in the midterms, warned on social media: "ALASKA: Be careful. VOTE FOR THE REAL DAN SULLIVAN TODAY. The Democrats know how good he is and have put up an imposter of the same name."
Another supporter of the incumbent is Dan A. Sullivan, who served as mayor of Anchorage for six years starting in 2009. He said, "As the OG Dan Sullivan, I urge Alaskans to vote for [Senator] Daniel S Sullivan. He's been great for Alaska."
Dan A. Sullivan's claim to be the "original" is notable: at 75, he is older than Dan S. Sullivan (61) and Dan J. Sullivan (70), and he held his first elected office earlier, serving on Anchorage's assembly from 1999 to 2008.
The Republican party unsuccessfully went to court to block Dan J. Sullivan from running, alleging his campaign was a Democratic sham. Dan J. Sullivan, who is unaffiliated with any party, denied this, telling the Associated Press: "This is my choice. I have every right to run."