Anchorage Mayor Dave Bronson is facing tough competition in the upcoming election on April 2, with nine challengers vying for his position. While the race is officially nonpartisan, ideological and personal battle lines have already been drawn.
Three main contenders have emerged to challenge Bronson’s bid for a second term: former state House Majority Leader Chris Tuck, former Anchorage Assembly Chair Suzanne LaFrance, and former Anchorage Economic Development Corp. CEO Bill Popp. Despite being the only Democrat in the trio, Tuck and LaFrance have garnered support from the local Democratic Party.
Bronson, who won the mayorship in a close race in 2021, has faced criticism for his hard-right stance, controversial statements, and policy decisions. From his handling of the pandemic to shutting off the city’s water fluoridation program and proposing relocating the homeless population to warmer areas, Bronson’s tenure has been marked by controversy.
Moreover, Bronson’s firing of Municipal Manager Amy Demboski and allegations of unlawful and unethical activities further highlight the internal challenges faced during his leadership.
With prominent Alaska Republicans endorsing Bronson and major unions backing his opponents, the race for Anchorage Mayor has become increasingly heated. The competition is expected to intensify as the candidates continue to campaign leading up to the election.
Should no candidate receive over 45% of the vote, a runoff between the top two candidates will take place in May. The upcoming election is poised to be a contentious battle for leadership of Alaska’s largest city, with significant implications for the future of Anchorage.
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