As Alaska 'Decoy Dan' scandal deepens, Democrat Mary Petola now accused of using the n-word

The allegations add to the mounting scrutiny on Peltola’s campaign amid the “decoy Dan” scandal, where Democratic operatives allegedly worked to recruit a second candidate named Dan Sullivan to undermine the Republican incumbent.

One alleged incident occurred in October 2024, following a dinner honoring nearly 4,000 black soldiers. Peltola’s campaign purchased eight tables at the event after Ed Wesley, a black Army veteran who promoted the dinner, had assured the campaign that the tables would be filled. However, the tables remained largely empty.

After Peltola was informed of the poor attendance, she allegedly became enraged and repeatedly referred to Wesley as a “scammer,” according to a report by the new outlet Alaska Landmine.

“I can’t believe that n****r,” Peltola was quoted by a former staffer.

In a statement to the outlet, Peltola’s campaign denied the quote. A spokesperson blasted the allegation 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,” the spokesperson added.

Peltola has already been accused of other offensive remarks and angry outbursts, including using the term “retard” and a gay slur. She is also accused of physically shoving a male staffer.

The controversy adds to the highly contested Alaska race. Peltola is seeking to help the Democratic Party retake control of the Senate in the 2026 midterms.

A bombshell New York Times report published last week detailed the alleged involvement of Democratic political operatives associated with Peltola’s campaign who carried out a scheme to recruit candidates with the same name as Republican Senator Dan Sullivan. Peltola’s former campaign manager, Elisa Rios, said that Peltola was not involved in the project but was “definitely aware of it.”