Wisconsin Republican U.S. Representative Tom Tiffany, a candidate for governor, and his pilot escaped with only minor injuries after their small plane lost power and made an emergency landing in Lake Wausau on Saturday night. The four-seat Bonanza aircraft went down as it approached Wausau Downtown Airport following Tiffany's appearance at the La Crosse County Lincoln Day Dinner, and the incident has drawn widespread attention given his prominent role in Wisconsin's upcoming gubernatorial race.

After the water landing, the pair called 911, but the plane began filling with water and sinking before help arrived, forcing them to swim to a shallow area until rescuers reached them by boat. Both were taken to Aspirus Wausau Hospital, where Tiffany's wife joined him, and he publicly thanked the pilot, the Wausau Fire Department and other first responders. Tiffany, who represents Wisconsin's 7th Congressional District, said the experience underscored how precious life is, while the cause of the power loss remains under investigation.