Representative Mary Peltola (D-AK) is facing multiple accusations of offensive language and abusive behavior from former staffers, adding new scrutiny to her campaign for re-election. The allegations, first reported by the Alaska Landmine and later corroborated by the New York Times, include claims that Peltola used racial and homophobic slurs, as well as a derogatory term for people with intellectual disabilities. Her campaign has vehemently denied some of the most serious accusations, attributing them to disgruntled former employees.
"Mary would never use this word, which is a vile slur with a painful, hateful history." Peltola Campaign Spokesperson
According to reports, the most recent and severe allegation surfaced concerning an event in the fall of 2024. Ed Wesley, a Black Army veteran, had reportedly promised to fill tables for Peltola's campaign at a dinner honoring Black soldiers. When turnout was reportedly thin, two anonymous former staffers told the Alaska Landmine that Peltola, then Alaska’s lone representative in the U.S. House, became enraged. These former staffers claim she repeatedly called Wesley a "scammer" and that one of them recalled Peltola saying, "I can't believe that n****r."
Peltola's campaign has issued a strong denial regarding the N-word accusation. A spokesperson for her campaign told the Alaska Landmine that the allegation is "part of a smear campaign driven by an unstable, disgruntled former staffer who was fired." The spokesperson added, "Mary would never use this word, which is a vile slur with a painful, hateful history."
Beyond the racial slur accusation, other claims have emerged. The New York Times, citing interviews with nine unnamed former staffers, reported additional allegations. Four of these former staffers told the Times they heard Peltola use a homophobic slur over the years. The campaign has also denied this specific allegation. The Times further reported a 2024 incident where Peltola allegedly shoved a male aide. The campaign denies any pattern of abusive behavior. In a separate matter, the Times reported that Peltola used a slur about people with intellectual disabilities in a text message. In response, her campaign stated she recognizes the word was inappropriate and regrets using it.
The former staffers who made these allegations have largely requested anonymity, with CNN reporting their fear of retaliation or professional repercussions. Following the initial New York Times article, the Alaska Beacon reportedly contacted more than a dozen former Peltola aides to verify the contents. The campaign told the Anchorage Daily News that the accounts amount to "exaggerating and outright lying."
Not all former staffers have presented negative accounts. One former aide described Peltola to the New York Times as "one of the finest human beings" for whom he had worked. The Alaska Democratic Party has also publicly supported Representative Peltola. Their statement highlighted her history in Alaska’s commercial fishing industry and acknowledged the personal tragedies she faced, including the deaths of her mother and husband, during her time as the state's sole U.S. House representative.
The accusations have drawn sharp criticism from her political opponent, Republican Senator Dan Sullivan. CNN reported that Senator Sullivan called the allegations of abusive behavior toward staff "very disturbing." During a recent debate, Sullivan cited the New York Times reporting and claimed that 25 employees had quit while working for Peltola. Both Senator Sullivan and Republican organizations have since leveraged these allegations, pointing to them as a reason for voters to withhold their support from Peltola.
Following a Wednesday town hall, Representative Peltola declined to answer reporters' questions regarding the New York Times allegations, leaving without providing a response.
These recent claims of offensive language and conduct arrive as Peltola's campaign was already navigating another significant controversy known as the "Decoy Dan" dispute. This separate issue centers on allegations that Democratic operatives attempted to recruit a second candidate named Dan Sullivan, with the aim of drawing votes away from the incumbent Republican Senator Dan Sullivan. A New York Times report identified Democratic political operatives associated with Peltola’s campaign as being behind the alleged scheme. Elisa Rios, Peltola’s former campaign manager, stated that while Peltola played no direct part in the project, she was "definitely aware of it."
Mary Peltola made history in 2022 by winning a special election, becoming the first Alaska Native in the U.S. House of Representatives. She is currently seeking re-election, a race that is viewed as important for Democrats aiming to regain control of the Senate in the upcoming 2026 midterms. Her campaign continues to maintain that the N-word allegation, in particular, is false.
