Alaska primary puts 2 Dan Sullivans and Mary Peltola in Senate fight
Why it matters: The top-four primary could shape Senate control next year, with a name-confusion dispute already drawing court and Justice Department scrutiny.
Alaska voters headed into a pivotal Senate primary Tuesday with incumbent Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan, former Democratic Rep. Mary Peltola and another Republican, retired teacher Dan J. Sullivan, competing in a race that could help decide Senate control next year. The contest drew national attention after state election officials tried to remove Dan J. Sullivan from the ballot, arguing his candidacy could mislead voters because he shares the incumbent’s name. The Alaska Supreme Court let him stay on the ballot in June. Under Alaska’s top-four system, both Sullivans and Peltola could advance to the November election. President Donald Trump has backed the incumbent, while Democrats see Peltola as a viable statewide contender.