Anchorage, Alaska – Anchorage’s mayoral race is heading towards a runoff election in May as top candidates Suzanne LaFrance and incumbent Mayor Dave Bronson are in a close competition. With LaFrance currently holding a slight lead with 36 percent of the vote over Bronson’s 35 percent, both candidates are gearing up for the upcoming runoff election on May 14. While the results are still unofficial, there are still thousands of mail-in and absentee ballots left to be counted, making a runoff likely as neither candidate is expected to reach the 45 percent threshold required to avoid a second round of voting.
In a recent phone interview, LaFrance expressed surprise and excitement about the initial results, stating that her campaign has been focused on winning and preparing for a runoff. On the other hand, Bronson, trailing LaFrance by around 600 votes, emphasized that his campaign is financially prepared for the upcoming weeks leading to the runoff election. The contrasting ideologies of the two candidates – with LaFrance prioritizing good governance and Bronson emphasizing traditional values – have been a focal point of the race, reflecting their differing approaches to governance.
Both candidates have a history of disagreement dating back to LaFrance’s tenure as Assembly chair while Bronson served as mayor. Despite their differing views on policies, spending, and governance, the runoff election will provide voters with an opportunity to decide which candidate aligns more closely with their vision for Anchorage’s future. With over 44,000 ballots already counted, voter turnout has been significant, indicating a high level of interest in the outcome of the mayoral race.
In addition to LaFrance and Bronson, former Anchorage legislator Chris Tuck and former Anchorage Economic Development Corp. President Bill Popp also ran in the race, with Popp securing around 17 percent of the vote and Tuck with approximately 8 percent. The competitive nature of the race highlights the diverse range of perspectives and interests among Anchorage voters, setting the stage for a closely contested runoff election between the top two candidates.
As election officials continue to tally the remaining ballots, the focus remains on the runoff election and the future leadership of Anchorage. LaFrance and Bronson have both articulated their visions for the city, emphasizing the importance of effective governance and community-building to address the challenges facing Anchorage. With the runoff election fast approaching, voters will have the opportunity to make their voices heard and shape the direction of the city for the next three years.