Alaska Senate nominee Mary Peltola sustained minor injuries after her vehicle was struck by another car on Saturday night. While she was en route to the Anchorage Alaska Federation of Natives Annual Banquet, the crash took place. Her campaign announced that upcoming events in Fairbanks and Bethel must be rescheduled for later in the week.
Per the Washington Examiner, campaign manager Cheryl Bruce released a statement confirming the details of the accident. Bruce stated, “Mary and her family sustained minor injuries but are in good spirits.” She added that medical professionals advised Peltola to take time to recover before returning to the trail.
The Timing of the Accident
Just nine days prior to voters heading to the polls for the crucial midterm election, this incident happens. RedState reported that the accident involved a three-vehicle collision where Peltola’s car was rear-ended. The Anchorage Police Department confirmed that Peltola’s vehicle hit a third vehicle after the initial impact. No one was seriously injured, but the timing disrupts a tight race.
Events originally set for Sunday, October 25th, and Monday, October 26th, will not take place as planned. The campaign said these specific stops in Fairbanks and Bethel will be moved to later dates. Planned continuation is expected for other scheduled stops in Homer, Kenai, Seward, Juneau, Anchorage, and Palmer. The campaign will release an updated schedule soon.
A Tight Race in Alaska
Peltola currently holds a narrow lead over Republican incumbent Dan Sullivan in the polls. RealClearPolitics is cited by a New York Post report stating Peltola has a 1.2 percentage point edge over her rival. The race is one of seven toss-up contests for control of the upper chamber. Democrats view this Alaska seat as a prime pickup opportunity against the incumbent.
The race faces unique complications due to a third candidate named Daniel J. Sullivan. Critics have dubbed him “Decoy Dan” because his name is nearly identical to the incumbent senator. The Daily Wire noted that the Department of Justice filed a lawsuit to block election certification if the incumbent loses. They argue the third candidate was placed on the ballot to cause voter confusion.
The Campaign’s Next Steps
Despite the delay, Peltola remains eager to return to the campaign trail immediately. According to her statement, she is disappointed that the accident is delaying the start of her Alaska Always Tour. She wants to speak directly with Alaskans about her plan to lower costs for working families. The tour was set to visit eight major villages and cities before the November 3 election.
The final stop on the tour was originally set for October 31. The delay may now push the tour schedule right up to Election Day itself.
