Anchorage School Board Candidate's Old Posts Spark Controversy

0:00It's March 25, I'm Cory with the story, and this is Anchorage News Today, Local News Powered by AI. In the Anchorage School Board Race for Seatsy, C candidate Rachel Blakesley mailed voter screenshots of her opponent, Alexander Rosales' old social. Media posts last week, damages show him harshly criticizing the local school district and making comments some saw as praising historical figures like Hitler along. With the sparaging remarks about women, religious groups, and the LGBTQ community, Blakesley said she wanted to inform voters about views that could shape his decisions on the board. Both candidates are running for the second time to replace term-limited member Dave Donnelly in the April 7 election. Blakesley leads a non-profit in South Anchorage after an unsuccessful run in 2021. Rosales, a 20-year Air Force veteran and former Substitute teacher, lost his bid last year. These posts have sparked debate at forums for the second stray year.

1:01Rosales fire back on his campaign site, admitting he called the district troubled but denying any praise for Hitler. He defended his stance on banning what he calls trans ideology in schools, to protect kids, saying it's common sense, not extreme. Even some conservatives have distance themselves. Kelly T. Shabaka, the former State official and U.S. Senate candidate, initially endorsed Rosales but withdrew support after seeing the screenshots, sharing her change ballot online. Local conservative groups like the Alaska Family Council, praise his responses but skipped endorsements this cycle due to unfamiliarity, wow, progressive groups back Blakesley. With Blakesley raising nearly $56,000 compared to Rosales' 4,000, the race heats up as voters weigh these revelations, ahead of next month's vote.