Alaska’s Senate race already had two Dan Sullivans running against each other. Then a third Dan Sullivan weighed in

A competitive Alaska Senate race already featured two candidates named Dan Sullivan. Then a third man with the same name stepped in and offered his endorsement.

The Republican former mayor of Anchorage, Dan A. Sullivan, endorsed GOP Sen. Dan S. Sullivan for re-election. NBC News reports that he backed the senator over retired teacher Dan J. Sullivan and Democratic former Rep. Mary Peltola, according to a statement he posted on Facebook.

“As the OG Dan Sullivan, I urge Alaskans to vote for Sen. Dan S. Sullivan. He’s been great for Alaska,” the former mayor wrote.

Former Anchorage mayor backs the sitting senator ahead of the general election

Both Sen. Dan S. Sullivan and Peltola advanced to the November general election after the state’s all-party primary last week. The primary uses ranked-choice voting, and the top four finishers move forward regardless of party. 

Reports indicate that with some primary votes still left to count, Peltola so far has 48 percent of the vote while Sen. Dan S. Sullivan has taken 43 percent. Dan J. Sullivan, who is running as a Republican, has 2.4 percent, with other candidates receiving considerably fewer votes. Peltola has addressed national support in her campaign and rejected Kamala Harris endorsement.

Alaska’s Senate race is viewed as one of the most competitive this cycle, with control of the upper chamber at stake. Democrats see the seat as one they could potentially flip in November. The Cook Political Report rates the race a tossup. The contest unfolds as the Senate handles other election-related measures, including Trump’s election overhaul bill milestone.

The presence of two candidates with the same name has drawn attention. Sen. Dan S. Sullivan and Republicans have alleged that the former teacher was placed on the ballot to confuse voters and take votes away from the senator. They have claimed he is working with Peltola.

Dan J. Sullivan has denied coordinating with the Peltola campaign. Peltola has also denied any involvement with the second Sullivan campaign. In related comments, the former teacher has denied that he is a spoiler candidate.

The Alaska Supreme Court ruled last month that Dan J. Sullivan can remain on the ballot after the state Division of Elections originally disqualified him. State and federal prosecutors in Alaska have been investigating whether the race could form part of a conspiracy to confuse voters, according to earlier reporting. A grand jury issued subpoenas this month to compel information from witnesses linked to Dan J. Sullivan’s campaign.