New report on Peltola could shake up Alaska Senate race

WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - A New York Times report alleges Mary Peltola, the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Alaska, displayed frequent angry outbursts toward staffers and aides during her congressional tenure and current campaign.

Peltola, a former U.S. congresswoman and Alaska native, had a successful primary season, earning more votes than her Republican opponent, incumbent Sen. Dan Sullivan.

People interviewed for the article claim Peltola would suddenly become angry and lash out, using slurs and cursing. One accusation alleges she shoved an aide. She is also accused of making staffers in her office feed live crickets to her family’s pet chameleon.

During her time in Congress, her office saw a high rate of staff turnover, a trend the article says has carried over into her Senate campaign.

A spokesperson for Peltola denied the accusations, saying she at times struggled with the grief of losing her mother and husband in succession in 2023, but said any accusation “exaggerating” those moments “is wrong.”

Others interviewed said they only had positive experiences with Peltola and could not speak to what was reported.

Peltola and Sullivan have not commented on the article. Dan Sullivan is in Washington with the US Senate was in session, while Peltola’s social media feed focused on campaign events.

The report could affect Peltola’s campaign, which has been polling higher than Sullivan and other challengers. The Democratic Party has highlighted the race as one of the most critical for the midterms, with control of the Senate at stake in a close matchup.