ANCHORAGE — As the Alaska Senate race heats up, the state's ranked-choice voting system is once again under scrutiny, particularly from Republicans who fear it could derail GOP Senator Dan S. Sullivan's re-election bid against former Democratic Rep. Mary Peltola and two other candidates.

The presence of another Dan Sullivan — retired teacher Dan J. Sullivan Jr., who is also running — adds an unusual twist to the race, potentially splitting the conservative vote. This same-name scenario has GOP operatives concerned about the incumbent losing crucial first-choice votes, with fears that supporters of the lesser-known Sullivan might not rank the senator favorably.

Recent polls simulating the ranked-choice outcome have shown Peltola leading, stirring anxiety among Republicans about the impact of the voting system they have long criticized as "costly" and "confusing." High-profile Republicans, including outgoing Governor Mike Dunleavy and former President Donald Trump, have openly criticized the system and supported measures to repeal it.

The echoes of past elections loom large, with Peltola previously benefiting from a divided GOP field in her House win, and Senator Lisa Murkowski overcoming a Trump-endorsed challenger in 2022 thanks to ranked-choice voting. This year, the GOP faces a similar challenge in the governor’s race with multiple Republican candidates.

In response, Senator Sullivan's campaign is adopting tactics from Murkowski’s successful 2010 campaign, such as distributing rubber wristbands with his name and party, and broadcasting a catchy jingle urging voters to rank him first—or at least second to prevent votes from being "thrown away."

The campaign's spokesperson, Nate Adams, emphasized the senator's efforts to distinguish himself from the other Sullivan and counteract the perceived manipulations of the ranked-choice system by Democratic opponents. Meanwhile, outside GOP groups like Americans for Prosperity Action and Club for Growth Action are also actively campaigning, urging Alaskans to prioritize Sullivan as their first choice.

Supporters of ranked-choice voting argue that it helps eliminate the spoiler effect, making elections more fair and representative. However, those backing the repeal believe it complicates the voting process and could alter election outcomes through voter confusion.

As the election approaches, the strategic emphasis on clear voter education and distinct campaign messaging highlights the unique challenges posed by Alaska's ranked-choice voting system in this tightly contested race.