Alaska Senate Candidate Mary Peltola Accused of Profane Outbursts and Demeaning Language

Mary Peltola, the Democratic nominee for Senate in Alaska, is facing accusations from nine anonymous former staffers detailing alleged profane outbursts, hateful language, and unusual demands, according to a report in The New York Times.

Peltola, a former one-term congresswoman, is considered a slight favorite to potentially flip a traditionally Republican seat in Alaska. The allegations paint a picture of a candidate prone to anger, including claims of shoving a male aide and making derogatory remarks about Planned Parenthood.

One incident, reportedly occurring in February 2024, involved Peltola allegedly shoving a male aide when she could not find a memo before a meeting. The campaign denied this, stating she accidentally bumped the aide and attributed the incident to the anniversary of her husband's death in a plane crash in 2023.

Former staffers also claim Peltola used offensive language, including the slur "retard" when referring to a commercial fisheries executive, and allegedly used the homophobic slur "faggot" on multiple occasions. The campaign acknowledged her regret over using the slur "retard," calling it inappropriate, but denied the use of the other slur.

Disputes with the pro-choice advocacy group Planned Parenthood were also highlighted. After staff criticized Peltola for voting on a bill with anti-abortion policies, she reportedly sent a text message stating, "I hope Planned Parenthood knows that if we don't win it's more their loss than ours. F**K THOSE B****ES." She is also alleged to have written about a Planned Parenthood board member, "I hope she dies of a botched abortion." Planned Parenthood has not endorsed Peltola's Senate campaign, despite having done so in previous races.

Beyond specific incidents, the former staffers described an environment where Peltola allegedly became furious over minor issues, such as how staff dressed or campaign social media posts. They also recounted unusual requests, such as being asked to fetch live crickets to feed her pet chameleon, Meatball. The situation reportedly escalated when the chameleon was brought to her Capitol Hill office, leading to escaped crickets that staffers had to trap.

The reported staff turnover during Peltola's time in Congress was described as high, with some former employees citing stress, weight loss, and therapy as consequences of their work environment. This pattern allegedly continued into her Senate campaign, with several staff members reportedly fired or demoted shortly before her primary victory following a disagreement over campaign signs.

Peltola's campaign spokesman, Harry Child, acknowledged that Peltola struggled with grief following her husband's death but denied allegations of abusive behavior. He stated that she treated employees with respect and care, characterizing the abuse claims as exaggerated or untrue.

However, some former colleagues offered a different perspective. Paul Horner, the 2022 campaign finance director, described Peltola as one of the finest human beings he has worked for. Tyson Fick, a former special assistant, called her "awesome and demanding" and admitted she could raise her voice, but asserted that the reports of abuse were exaggerated and the situation was not abusive.

Peltola made history in 2022 as the first Alaska Native elected to Congress. She won a special election for Alaska's House seat that year and later secured a full term, though she lost her reelection bid in 2024. She is now set to face Republican incumbent Dan Sullivan in a race that could be critical for control of the U.S. Senate. Current polling averages show Peltola leading Sullivan by a narrow margin of just over two points.