Allegations Against Former Rep. Mary Peltola Surface
Two former staff members of ex-Rep. Mary Peltola (D-AK) have come forward with claims that the Alaska Democrat repeatedly used the n-word in 2024, as reported by the Alaska Landmine.
The aides, who worked in Peltola’s House office and on her campaign, spoke to the Landmine anonymously due to concerns about potential backlash. Each recounted separate incidents that took place in 2024.
One incident purportedly occurred after a dinner on October 25, 2024, which honored around 4,000 African American soldiers who contributed to the building of the Alaska-Canada Highway during World War II. This event had been organized by Ed Wesley, an Army veteran and former president of the Anchorage NAACP.
According to a former aide, Wesley urged the campaign to purchase tables and assured them that he would ensure they were filled. The campaign ended up buying eight tables at a cost of $1,000 each, with an October 18, 2024 FEC filing indicating an $8,000 payment to Eventbrite for tickets. However, the tables were mostly empty, and Peltola did not attend.
After learning about the poor turnout, the Senate candidate reportedly became upset and referred to Wesley as a “scammer,” according to the aide.
The aide alleged that Peltola exclaimed, “I can’t believe that n****r.” They mentioned becoming “numb” to such language, noting that they had previously heard Peltola use the derogatory term “faggot” when talking about gay staff members.
Another former staffer claimed that Peltola used the n-word multiple times during a spring 2024 campaign meeting. During that meeting, it was discovered that her son, Job Nelson, had a YouTube channel showcasing self-made rap music that frequently featured the word. The channel was later taken down, according to the staffers.
“It shocked everyone in the room,” remarked the second staffer, adding that no one spoke up due to fear of repercussions.
These allegations emerge just weeks after the New York Times published a piece discussing Peltola’s history of angry outbursts and slurs throughout her time in office. Peltola is running against Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-AK) in a crucial race that could impact the balance of the Senate.
The Peltola campaign did not respond to the Landmine’s request for comment prior to publication, but later characterized the report as “an outright lie published by a right-wing gossip blogger.”
“Mary would never use this word, which is a vile slur with a painful, hateful history,” the campaign stated.
