Karl W. Kassel (born September 10, 1952) is an American independent politician and former Mayor of Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska, serving from 2015 to 2018.

After graduating from the State University of New York at Brockport with a degree in physical education and a minor in recreation, he moved to Alaska.

[1] Kassel lives "off-the-grid" in a rural corner of the FNSB near the former Murphy Dome Air Force Station.

As the Democratic nominee challenging embattled Republican incumbent Mike Kelly, a bitterly fought campaign led to a close result and a recount of votes.

Kassel defeated incumbent Guy Sattley, who had served five mostly non-consecutive terms on the body starting in 1990, to claim Seat I.