Mary Peltola suffered minor injuries in a car crash in Anchorage, Alaska, forcing the Democratic Senate candidate to delay part of her campaign tour. Her family was also hurt, but the injuries were not life-threatening.
The former U.S. representative was riding with relatives to an Alaska Federation of Natives banquet when another driver hit their car. The event brings together members of the state's largest Native American tribal group.
Anchorage police say a vehicle hit Peltola's car from behind while it was stopped in the southeastern part of the city. The impact then pushed it into a third car that had also stopped. Officers are still looking into what led to the crash.
Peltola and the other people in her vehicle went to a nearby hospital for care. Her campaign manager, Cheryl Bruce, says the family remains in good spirits despite the injuries.
Doctors have urged Peltola to change some travel plans. Her Alaska Always Tour was set to cover seven days, but events in Fairbanks and Bethel will move to a later slot. The rest of her campaign stops are still due to go ahead.
For Peltola, the crash comes during a major Senate race against Republican Dan S. Sullivan. He wants a third term, while she hopes to take the seat for Democrats. Both parties see Alaska as an important state in their fight over Senate control.
The contest has drawn fresh attention due to a legal move by the Justice Department. Federal lawyers want a court to halt approval of the vote results if Sullivan suffers a narrow loss. Donald Trump says he gave the order for that action.
The case centers on an odd ballot issue. Another Republican has the same first and last name as the senator, with only a middle initial setting them apart. Federal officials argue that the mix could confuse voters and change the result.
Yet the legal bid faces a tough path. Alaska's Supreme Court has ruled that both men can appear on the ballot. That prior decision is one reason legal observers doubt the federal case will succeed.
Peltola's team has not shared more details about the crash beyond Bruce's account. Her campaign plans remain active, with the delayed visits set to resume once she is cleared to travel.
The former U.S. representative was riding with relatives to an Alaska Federation of Natives banquet when another driver hit their car. The event brings together members of the state's largest Native American tribal group.
Anchorage police say a vehicle hit Peltola's car from behind while it was stopped in the southeastern part of the city. The impact then pushed it into a third car that had also stopped. Officers are still looking into what led to the crash.
Peltola and the other people in her vehicle went to a nearby hospital for care. Her campaign manager, Cheryl Bruce, says the family remains in good spirits despite the injuries.
Doctors have urged Peltola to change some travel plans. Her Alaska Always Tour was set to cover seven days, but events in Fairbanks and Bethel will move to a later slot. The rest of her campaign stops are still due to go ahead.
For Peltola, the crash comes during a major Senate race against Republican Dan S. Sullivan. He wants a third term, while she hopes to take the seat for Democrats. Both parties see Alaska as an important state in their fight over Senate control.
The contest has drawn fresh attention due to a legal move by the Justice Department. Federal lawyers want a court to halt approval of the vote results if Sullivan suffers a narrow loss. Donald Trump says he gave the order for that action.
The case centers on an odd ballot issue. Another Republican has the same first and last name as the senator, with only a middle initial setting them apart. Federal officials argue that the mix could confuse voters and change the result.
Yet the legal bid faces a tough path. Alaska's Supreme Court has ruled that both men can appear on the ballot. That prior decision is one reason legal observers doubt the federal case will succeed.
Peltola's team has not shared more details about the crash beyond Bruce's account. Her campaign plans remain active, with the delayed visits set to resume once she is cleared to travel.
