As a 50+ year resident of Anchorage, I’ve seen a few constants in this state: fireweed blooming in summer, non-stop construction on the Seward highway, and overly ambitious new residents with deep pockets of special interest cash running for public office. This year proves no different, especially in my House District 22, where Democrat Ted Eischeid is trying to unseat a representative who fights for the interests of his constituents, Representative Stanley Wright (R – Anchorage).

Stanley has proven himself as an independent voice in Juneau by sponsoring and co-sponsoring bills on many of the issues that we in HD22 care about: criminal justice (HB28), health care (HB137), public safety (HB57), mental health (HB126), and education (HB111, HB202). As a veteran himself, Stanley served as chair of the House Military and Veterans Affairs Committee, providing representation to one of East Anchorage’s most visible constituencies: the military community. His bills received bi-partisan support because he readily reaches across the aisle to get things done.

One of the most admirable traits that Stanley brings to Juneau is the pride he has for the most important title he carries: father. As a dad who chose East Anchorage as home for his family, Stanley often speaks about how his kids are his biggest motivation when it comes to proposing legislation. His desire to build an Alaska where children can thrive gives HD22 residents the highest confidence that Stanley is fighting for our future. 

Now, when contrasting Stanley with his opponent, Ted Eischeid, a few notable facts stand out that every HD22 resident should be aware of.

Firstly, the big money donations going into Mr. Eischeid’s campaign. According to recent APOC reports, Mr. Eischeid has raised a whopping $100,000+ in his second attempt to defeat Stanley! As the adage goes, “Follow the money!” When we do that, HD22 residents get a clear picture that it’s not us, but some of Alaska’s most entrenched special interest groups that are pouring tens of thousands of dollars into this opposition campaign. Ted even received a total of $15,000 from Robin Brena, an activist lawyer who is trying to buy his influence in Juneau through Ted and other candidates running this election cycle. This raises serious concerns for anyone who cares about having a true representative voice in Juneau.

On top of direct campaign contributions from Alaska’s largest activist lobbying groups, Mr. Eischeid has the help of out-of-state funded entities campaigning against Stanley. HD22 residents know the mail fliers and online ads from organizations such as “Putting Alaska First Committee” and “American-Leadership Committee-Alaska”. But look at the fine print, and it’s clear that they are anything but Alaskan. “Putting Alaska First Committee” is funded by a Texas billionaire, and “American-Leadership Committee-Alaska” is funded by a leftwing Washington D.C. organization.

Additionally, if the special interests and out of state money weren’t problematic enough, HD22 voters have questions about who Mr. Eischeid really is. When I look at his campaign website, he talks about his career experience in public service and education, but omits key biographical facts, such as where he’s from and where he spent his professional career. Why does his team obscure the fact that he was a tenured teacher and elected official in Wisconsin less than a decade ago, and that his wife is one of the highest paid employees of one of the lobbying groups funding his campaign?

Neighbors, something is off; and our local representation is too precious to let Texas billionaires, D.C. elites, and progressive activists buy our voice in Juneau through a former out of state politician, who will put his donors’ agendas over our interests. Let’s keep Stanley Wright who has proven that he will fight for HD22 and the success of our state for future generations.

Stephanie Taylor is a 53-year resident of Anchorage, a former candidate for Anchorage Assembly, and an East Anchorage Community Leader. She is a wife and mother of five.