Election Money Flow in Anchorage: A Close Race for City Council Seats

The upcoming municipal election will decide half of Anchorage’s city council. Campaign finance filings show that most races are tightly contested in terms of money raised, with a few exceptions.

In the past, candidates have waited until voters receive their mail ballots in March to start spending heavily. This year, many challengers have stayed quiet until now, but some incumbents and new contenders are already pouring funds into their campaigns.

District 1 – Open Seat

• Sydney Scout & Justin Milette: each raised over $30,000.
• Spend focus: professional services, social‑media ads, small events.
• Scout’s donors: labor unions & local politicians.
• Milette’s donors: business leaders & former officials.

District 2 – Open Seat

• Donald Handeland: raised >$40,000 (small donors + prominent conservatives).
• Heavy digital ads & shared fundraising events opposing a city sales tax.
• Kyle Walker: raised $8,000; relies on union PAC money for a modest campaign.

District 3 – Rematch

• Vice Chair Anna Brawley vs. Brian Flynn.
• Both have significant cash on hand; Flynn’s fundraising exceeds Brawley’s, but his spending already surpasses hers.
• Same political consultants & media purchases; Brawley keeps a larger reserve.

District 4 – Incumbent Leaving

• Dave Donley (former legislator): raised almost $40,000; spent on consulting & conservative blogs.
• Janice Park (Democrat): raised $42,000; spent less than half on ads & strategy services.

District 5 – Incumbent vs. New Challenger

• George Martinez (incumbent): $11,000 from individual donors & unions; modest travel spending.
• Cody Anderson (retired Air Force officer & pastor): nearly $46,000 from church employees & a local women’s club; hires campaign manager & social media services.

District 6 – Multiple Candidates

• Zac Johnson (incumbent): $33,000 from labor groups.
• Bruce Vergason: $44,000 with business donors; spends on data firms & sign printing.
• Janelle Sharp: small campaign, a few thousand dollars; focuses on advisory services.

Overall, the money reports suggest that while many candidates are building strong financial positions, the actual spending patterns vary widely. The final outcome will depend on how well each candidate converts funds into voter support before ballots are mailed in March.