Former Alaska congresswoman and Democratic Senate candidate Mary Peltola is facing allegations from former aides of angry outbursts, offensive slurs, profane messages and shoving a staff member. Her campaign disputes several claims, rejects the suggestion of a sustained pattern of abusive behaviour and says some incidents occurred while she was coping with the deaths of her mother and husband in 2023.

The New York Times reported that staff allegedly experienced severe stress, including tears, weight loss and therapy, while some campaign workers reportedly felt anxious and exhausted. Peltola did not answer reporters’ questions after a town hall, while political commentators and opponents offered sharply differing reactions; some defended or sympathised with her, whereas Republicans called for an apology and questioned her suitability for office.