With the upcoming April 1 municipal election, union contributions to Anchorage Assembly and School Board races are worth taking a look at. Organized labor, and more specifically the public employee unions, are historically one of the most influential special interests in local politics.
In this election, there were a reported $35,500 in union donations to candidates, as of March 1. The next financial disclosure report is due March 25.
The Anchorage Assembly, which has the final say in approving union contracts, oversees agreements that commit taxpayers to wage, benefit, and other cost increases for up to five years.
Currently, more than half (55%) of the city’s budget is allocated to salaries and benefits, while 58% of municipal revenue is derived from property taxes.
Union donations play a significant role in the campaigns of Assembly candidates.
- Kameron Perez-Verdia has received $10,000 from unions this election cycle. Over the course of his Assembly campaigns, unions have contributed a total of $43,600 to his campaigns.
- Daniel Volland has received $8,000 in union support this election, in addition to $2,000 from a previous campaign. The Alaska AFL-CIO has further contributed $2,500 to his campaign through its special interest group, “Putting Alaskans First.”
- The AFL-CIO has also funneled $5,000 to “Putting Alaskans First” to oppose Jared Goecker, who is running for the open Eagle River Assembly seat.
Unions have also directed funds toward Anchorage School Board candidates, continuing their pattern of financial support for big-spending Democrat incumbents:
- Margot Bellamy, seeking re-election, has received $5,000 from unions this year. Over the years, unions have contributed a total of $25,550 to her campaigns.
- Kelly Lessens has received $5,500 from unions in this election cycle, adding to a total of $26,800 in union support across her political career.
Organized labor remains the largest special interest group contributing to local elections in Alaska. The financial influence of unions on Anchorage Assembly and School Board races raises ongoing questions about the balance of power between elected officials, labor groups, and taxpayers.
Because union contracts representing a significant portion of municipal expenditures, voters will have to consider the role of these contributions and how they influence their elected officials.
Additional financial disclosures due on March 25 will provide further insights into the extent of union influence in the 2025 race.
Browse through the contributions here:
