Former Anchorage Mayor Dan Sullivan has endorsed incumbent Republican Senator Dan Sullivan in Alaska’s unusual Senate contest, which features another candidate with the same name. The race became further complicated with legal challenges and allegations of voter confusion.

Senator Dan S. Sullivan and his Republican allies have accused Dan J. Sullivan, a teacher, of entering the race as a Republican to siphon votes from the incumbent. Dan J. Sullivan denies these claims, stating he is a genuine moderate Republican challenger.

“As the original Dan Sullivan, I urge Alaskans to vote for Sen. Dan S. Sullivan. He’s been great for Alaska,” the former mayor expressed via social media.

Republicans have attempted legal measures to remove Dan J. Sullivan from the ballot, claiming his ties to a Democratic consultant indicate an effort to confuse voters. Dan J. Sullivan defends himself, arguing he has authentic concerns with Senator Sullivan’s representation.

Alaska’s election system, characterized by its nonpartisan primary and ranked-choice voting, could contribute to voter confusion. The primary allows the top four candidates, regardless of party, to advance to the general election. Ranked-choice voting lets voters rank candidates by preference, with votes transferring until a candidate wins.

Critics of the system believe it may confuse voters, while supporters argue it offers more control and choices. Senator Dan S. Sullivan and Democratic Rep. Mary Peltola have advanced to the general election. Dan J. Sullivan’s presence in the general election remains uncertain as votes continue to be counted, per the Associated Press.

The Alaska Supreme Court decided Dan J. Sullivan could stay on the ballot, despite a Republican challenge and initial removal by the state’s Division of Elections. There are ongoing investigations to determine if he is involved in a conspiracy to confuse voters.

Attempts to reach the Sullivan campaign for comment were unsuccessful as of Monday, according to Fox News Digital.