Initial results show LaFrance with slight lead over Bronson in Anchorage mayoral race

The mayoral race in Anchorage, Alaska, is heading for a runoff election in May between incumbent Mayor Dave Bronson and challenger Suzanne LaFrance. Initial results posted on Tuesday show LaFrance with a slight lead, receiving 36 percent of the vote compared to Bronson's 35 percent. However, neither candidate is expected to reach the 45 percent threshold required to avoid a runoff. The runoff election is scheduled for May 14, with ballots being mailed out on April 30. The winner of the election will serve a three-year term as mayor [1].

LaFrance expressed her surprise and excitement about the initial results, stating that she and her team have been focused on winning the race and preparing for a runoff. She sees the confirmation of a runoff as a positive development for her campaign.

Bronson, trailing LaFrance by approximately 600 votes, expressed confidence in his campaign's financial position to run a successful campaign for the next few weeks leading up to the runoff. He acknowledged the need for financial resources to compete in a runoff election and stated that his campaign is well-prepared in that regard [1].

Contrasting Candidates: LaFrance and Bronson

The matchup between LaFrance and Bronson is not new, as LaFrance previously served as the Assembly chair for two years during Bronson's term as mayor. The two candidates often disagreed on policy, spending, and governance. LaFrance's tenure as Assembly chair saw frequent overturning of the mayor's vetoes by the Assembly. Bronson described the two candidates as having a stark contrast, with LaFrance representing a "woke" worldview while he considers himself more traditional. LaFrance has made good governance a central theme of her campaign, emphasizing the importance of getting the basics right and building a better future for the community [1].

Other Candidates and Election Details

LaFrance and Bronson faced challenges from two other major candidates, former Anchorage legislator Chris Tuck and former Anchorage Economic Development Corp. President Bill Popp. Popp received around 17 percent of the vote, while Tuck received approximately 8 percent. The total number of counted ballots so far is 44,896, which is about 60 percent of the total ballots counted in the city's last mayoral election in 2021.

In addition to the mayoral race, Mark Littlefield was chosen by Eagle River and Chugiak voters to fill the remaining year on Kevin Cross's Assembly seat. Littlefield, a retired city street maintenance official, was the only candidate to file for the vacancy. The municipal clerk's office will continue releasing election results throughout the week [1].

Conclusion

The Anchorage mayoral election is heading for a runoff between incumbent Mayor Dave Bronson and challenger Suzanne LaFrance. LaFrance currently holds a slight lead over Bronson, but neither candidate is expected to reach the threshold to avoid a runoff. The runoff election is scheduled for May 14, and the winner will serve a three-year term as mayor. The candidates have contrasting views and have previously clashed over policy and governance. Other major candidates in the race include Chris Tuck and Bill Popp. The election results will continue to be released by the municipal clerk's office [1].