Former Alaska Congresswoman Mary Peltola Faces Workplace Abuse Allegations

Former Alaska congresswoman and Democratic Senate candidate Mary Peltola is facing allegations of workplace abuse, volatility, and the use of slurs. Former aides reported a pattern of profane outbursts and physical aggression, including an incident in February 2024 where Peltola allegedly shoved a male employee in the chest over a missing memo. Staff members described a chaotic environment characterized by high turnover, where Peltola reportedly used homophobic and ableist slurs, including "faggot" and "retarded."

Internal text messages from January 2024 reveal Peltola disparaging Planned Parenthood, writing "FUCK THOSE BITCHES" and expressing a wish that a board member "dies of a botched abortion." These remarks contributed to Planned Parenthood declining to endorse her in the current cycle. Other reports detailed unusual demands, such as requiring staff to feed live crickets to a pet chameleon.

The Peltola campaign denies the use of slurs and physical assault, attributing behavioral struggles to the grief of losing her mother and husband in 2023. These internal tensions led to a significant staff shake-up in August 2026, involving the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee and the Elias Law Group. The process resulted in the firing of campaign manager Elisa Rios and the demotion of chief of staff Anton McParland.

Alex Latcham of the Senate Leadership Fund stated the allegations make Peltola "entirely unfit for the U.S. Senate." Peltola is currently locked in a closely polled contest against Republican Dan Sullivan.