Mary Peltola, the Alaska Democrat running for the US Senate with high-profile backing from “Squad” Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, is denying claims from former staff members that she used the n-word.
Peltola, 53, is taking on Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan in a closely watched Alaska contest that could have implications for control of the Senate.
The allegation reportedly stems from a dinner held in October 2024 to honor nearly 4,000 Black soldiers. At the time, Peltola was serving as Alaska’s representative in the US House.
Federal Election Commission records show Peltola’s campaign paid $8,000 for tables at the gathering. Ed Wesley, a Black Army veteran and promoter of the event, had reportedly told her the seats would be filled.
After the turnout fell short, Peltola allegedly reacted angrily, according to accounts cited by Alaska Landmine.
“I can’t believe that n—-r,” an unnamed former staffer allegedly recalled Peltola saying. The former aide also claimed that Peltola repeatedly called Wesley, who previously led the Anchorage NAACP, a “scammer.”
Peltola’s campaign strongly rejected the accusation in comments to The Post, describing it as “part of a smear campaign driven by an unstable, disgruntled former staffer who was fired.”
“Mary would never use this word, which is a vile slur with a painful, hateful history,” a campaign spokesperson said.
The accusation follows earlier claims that Peltola had angry outbursts, used other offensive slurs — including “retard” and “f—t” — and once shoved a male employee.
In January, Ocasio-Cortez put her national fundraising network behind Peltola, urging supporters to contribute to the Alaska Democrat’s campaign.
Peltola was the sole Democrat endorsed by the National Rifle Association in 2024. During her time in the House, from 2022 through 2025, she pressed the Biden administration to support Arctic drilling and highlighted her role in securing approval for ConocoPhillips’ disputed $8 billion Willow oil project.
National Democrats have portrayed Peltola’s recruitment as a major political win as the party works to gain Senate seats in the 2026 midterm elections.
Peltola has already won statewide office and is viewed as a formidable candidate. Still, polling indicates a tight contest, with the latest survey giving her only a 2-point advantage over Sullivan.
Ocasio-Cortez did not respond to The Post’s request for comment.