Anchorage Assembly Election Nears Conclusion

The Anchorage municipal election is scheduled to conclude in one week, with ballots currently being distributed to voters. This year’s election features half of the Anchorage Assembly – six of the twelve seats – on the ballot.

Assembly Structure and Term Limits

Anchorage Assembly members serve three-year terms and are subject to a term limit of three terms, totaling nine years of service. Two current Assembly members, Felix Rivera and Assembly Chair Chris Constant, are term-limited and will be leaving their positions.

Open and Contested Seats

District 1, Seat B, and District 4, Seat G, are currently open. Incumbent Assembly members George Martinez (District 5), Zac Johnson (District 6), and Anna Brawley (District 3) are defending their seats against challengers.

Ideological Alignment and Mayoral Impact

While candidates do not register with a political party, their positions generally lean conservative or liberal. A key factor in the election is how candidates align with the policies of current Mayor Suzanne LaFrance.

Key Races to Watch

Chris Constant’s downtown district features two main contenders: Sydney Scout, who is generally progressive, and Justin Milette, generally conservative. Felix Rivera’s midtown seat is being contested by Dave Donley, a current school board member and former state legislator, and Janice Park. Park leans more liberal, while Donley is considered conservative.

Rematch in West Anchorage

In west Anchorage, incumbent Anna Brawley is facing a rematch against challenger Bryan Flynn, mirroring their race from three years prior. Brawley, with a background in city planning, is generally progressive and collaborates frequently with the mayoral administration.

Potential for a Rightward Shift

A victory for Flynn, alongside other conservative candidates, could lead to a more conservative-leaning Assembly. This would represent a significant shift in the body’s political composition compared to recent years.