Rep. Mary Peltola’s husband dies in Alaska plane accident

Democratic Rep. Mary Peltola’s husband Eugene was killed in a plane crash in Alaska early Wednesday, her office announced.

The 50-year-old lawmaker, in Washington for the return of Congress from their August recess, planned to head home to the Last Frontier to be with her family.

“He was one of those people that was obnoxiously good at everything. He had a delightful sense of humor that lightened the darkest moments,” her office said in a statement.

“He was definitely the cook in the family. And family was most important to him. He was completely devoted to his parents, kids, siblings, extended family, and friends — and he simply adored Mary.”

Eugene, also known as “Buzzy,” had been at Mary’s side in 2022, when she edged out Republican former Gov. Sarah Palin to become the first woman to represent Alaska in the House of Representatives. She’s also the first known Alaska Native member of Congress.

Her predecessor, Rep. Don Young (R-Ak.), the longest serving Republican in congressional history, died in March 2022, triggering an August special election in which Peltola defeated Palin. The Democrat also defeated the 2008 Republican vice presidential nominee in the rematch that November.

Eugene was Mary’s third spouse. The congresswoman has a total of seven children, including three stepchildren.

“Our team will continue to meet with constituents and carry on the work of the office while Mary and her family grieve,” the Wednesday statement said.

This is not the first time an Alaska plane crash has affected American politics. In 2010, former Republican Sen. Ted Stevens and four others died when a de Havilland Canada DHC-3 Otter crashed near Dillingham en route to a private fishing lodge.

On Oct. 16, 1972, House Majority Leader Hale Boggs (D-La.), Rep. Nick Begich (D-Alaska) and two others were lost when their twin engine airplane disappeared while flying from Anchorage to Juneau. The wreckage has never been found.