Suzanne LaFrance
American politician (born 1968)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Suzanne M. LaFrance (born 1968 or 1969)[2] is an American businesswoman and politician from the state of Alaska. She is the 38th mayor of Anchorage, having unseated incumbent mayor Dave Bronson in the 2024 election. She is an independent.
Suzanne LaFrance | |
|---|---|
LaFrance in 2025 | |
| 38th Mayor of Anchorage | |
| Assumed office July 1, 2024 | |
| Preceded by | Dave Bronson |
| Member of the Anchorage Assembly for District 6, Seat K | |
| In office 2017–2023 | |
| Preceded by | Bill Evans |
| Succeeded by | Zac Johnson |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1968 or 1969 (age 57–58) |
| Party | Independent |
| Education | University of Portland (BA) Purdue University (MA) |
Early life and education
LaFrance was born in Manchester, New Hampshire, but her family moved to Alaska when she was a young child, eventually settling in Palmer. She attended the University of Portland for her undergraduate degree and Purdue University for her master's degree, and prior to entering politics worked in business as a financial analyst and project manager.
Political career
LaFrance served on the Anchorage Assembly from 2017 to 2023.[3] In 2020, she ran as an independent for District 28 of the Alaska House of Representatives, centered in South Anchorage, against Republican James D. Kaufman. She received the support of the Democratic Party.[4] She ultimately lost the election, receiving 5,416 votes to Kaufman’s 5,851.[5]
Mayor of Anchorage
2024 election
In 2024, LaFrance ran for mayor of Anchorage against Republican Dave Bronson, the incumbent mayor. Running as an independent, she received a co-endorsement from the Anchorage Democratic Party.[6] LaFrance ultimately defeated Bronson, taking 53.54% of the vote to Bronson's 46.46%.[7][8]
Tenure
She was sworn into office on July 1, 2024.[9] In October 2024, she endorsed three candidates running for the Alaska House of Representatives: Republican Chuck Kopp (district 10), Democrat Ted Eischeid (district 22), and independent Ky Holland (district 9).[10]