Mysterious Political Group Attacks South Anchorage Assembly Candidate from Both Sides

Contradictory mailers target incumbent Zac Johnson from left and right, raising questions about funding and coordination

Mar. 31, 2026 at 1:41am

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A dynamic, fragmented painting featuring overlapping images of political campaign mailers, ballot boxes, and voting booths in a palette of blues, grays, and reds, conceptually representing the divisive and opaque nature of this local election.Contradictory political mailers sow confusion in a local election, exposing the growing influence of shadowy groups in shaping the discourse.Anchorage Today

A newly formed political group called Friends of the Good Guys has sent a pair of contradictory mailers to South Anchorage residents just days before the municipal election deadline. One mailer accuses incumbent Zac Johnson of being too progressive, while the other claims he has a 'far-right, conservative voting record.' The group has not disclosed its donors or expenditures, and its administrator, Cheryl Frasca, has ties to multiple local political campaigns.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing influence of shadowy political groups in local elections, where a lack of transparency around funding and coordination can lead to misleading attacks on candidates. It raises questions about the role of money in shaping the political discourse and the ability of voters to make informed decisions.

The details

The two mailers, paid for by Friends of the Good Guys, present starkly different portrayals of Johnson. One accuses him of being a 'rubber stamp' for 'far-left politics,' while the other claims he is hiding a 'far-right, conservative voting record.' The group has not disclosed its donors or expenditures until this week, just seven days before the April 7 election deadline.

  • The mailers were sent to South Anchorage residents just days before the municipal election deadline.
  • Friends of the Good Guys filed paperwork with the Alaska Public Offices Commission earlier this month, allowing it to delay disclosing its donors and expenditures until this week.

The players

Zac Johnson

The incumbent Anchorage Assembly member for South Anchorage, who is the target of the contradictory mailers.

Janelle Sharp

One of Johnson's opponents in the South Anchorage Assembly race, who is endorsed in one of the mailers.

Bruce Vergason

Another candidate in the South Anchorage Assembly race, who is endorsed in one of the mailers.

Cheryl Frasca

The administrator of Friends of the Good Guys, who has ties to multiple local political campaigns.

Friends of the Good Guys

The political group that sent the contradictory mailers, which has not disclosed its donors or expenditures.

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What they’re saying

“The timing seems pretty intentional to allow them to conceal some information.”

— Zac Johnson, Anchorage Assembly member

“Neither I nor my campaign have coordinated with that group. I didn't know about the mailer until I saw it posted publicly.”

— Janelle Sharp, Anchorage Assembly candidate

“The dishonesty of it is really upsetting. This attitude that in politics, the ends justify the means and do whatever it takes to achieve your desired outcomes.”

— Zac Johnson, Anchorage Assembly member

What’s next

Voters in South Anchorage can return their signed ballots at one of 18 secure drop boxes across the city or by visiting a voting center up until election day on April 7.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing influence of shadowy political groups in local elections, where a lack of transparency around funding and coordination can lead to misleading attacks on candidates. It raises questions about the role of money in shaping the political discourse and the ability of voters to make informed decisions.