A last-minute candidate is emerging for Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly Seat B. That seat is currently held by Brett Rotermund, who has been running for reelection unchallenged.
But last week, Allegory Smith launched an official write-in campaign, about two weeks ahead of the Oct. 7 municipal election. Borough Clerk April Trickey confirmed that Smith submitted a declaration of candidacy on Sept. 22.
Smith said by email they want voters to have meaningful choices to make, and that they decided to run at the recommendation of a friend after learning Rotermund was unopposed.
Smith said they have amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a neurological disease, and that their primary occupation is to be a caregiver to themselves and the community. They said their priorities for the office include climate action, and improvements to housing, transportation and LGBTQ+ rights.
“I’m excited to bring my perspectives, experiences, and resourcefulness as a person with a disability to an increasingly age- and ability-diverse borough, and to work usually done without us,” Smith said.
The write-in campaign will be an uphill battle. Rotermund, an incumbent, won the seat back in 2022 by 3.5%, or 500 votes. He’s attended multiple candidate forums this election season, and reports filed with the Alaska Public Offices Commission (APOC) show Rotermund has raised almost $30,000 to support his reelection, having spent about $20,000 as of Sept. 5.
Rotermund owns Bulletproof Trailers, and is running on a platform that includes priorities like limited government, property rights and lower taxes.
In a short interview, Rotermund applauded Smith for getting into the race. He said he thinks his chances remain very good, but that he will ramp up campaigning in the leadup to the election because Smith’s campaign could succeed.
“A write-in campaign is always a long shot. But again, it’s not something that can be ignored because … it is theoretically possible, mathematically, it’s very possible.”
Smith has filed forms with APOC indicating they don’t intend to raise more than $5,000 for their campaign. They said by email that they know they’re outfunded and behind on time investment, but grateful for the support they've received. They said they’re unsure about their chances, writing, “We’ll see who’s more popular.”