Mary Sattler Peltola is a Democratic politician representing Alaska's at-large congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives since September 2022. Prior to her time in Congress, Peltola served as a tribal court judge, executive director of the Kuskokwim River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission, a Bethel city councilor, and a member of the Alaska House of Representatives.
1972: Last Democrat to Represent Alaska
Before Mary Peltola's win, the last Democrat to represent Alaska in the U.S. House was Nick Begich Sr., back in 1972.
August 31, 1973: Birth of Mary Peltola
Mary Sattler Peltola was born on August 31, 1973, in Anchorage, Alaska.
1991: Start of Studies at University of Northern Colorado
Mary Peltola began her higher education journey in 1991, studying elementary education at the University of Northern Colorado.
1993: Conclusion of Studies at UNC
In 1993, Mary Peltola concluded her studies at the University of Northern Colorado.
1994: Commencement of Studies at University of Alaska Fairbanks
Mary Peltola started taking courses at the University of Alaska Fairbanks in 1994.
1995: Winning Miss National Congress of American Indians
In 1995, Mary Peltola was crowned Miss National Congress of American Indians. She showcased her heritage by performing traditional Yup'ik dances and wearing traditional attire.
1995: Continuation of Studies at Different Universities
Mary Peltola continued her education in 1995, taking courses at both the University of Alaska Fairbanks and the University of Alaska Southeast.
1996: First Foray into Politics
In 1996, Mary Peltola interned at the Alaska Legislature and later entered politics, narrowly losing the Bethel region seat election to Ivan Ivan.
1997: Furthering Education
In 1997, Mary Peltola was enrolled in courses at the University of Alaska Southeast and later, the University of Alaska Anchorage.
1998: Completion of Studies at UAA
By 1998, Mary Peltola had concluded her studies at the University of Alaska Anchorage.
1998: Elected to Alaska House of Representatives
Mary Peltola was elected to the Alaska House of Representatives in 1998, marking the beginning of her legislative career.
2002: Re-election and Closest Contest
Mary Peltola faced her most challenging re-election bid in 2002 when Ivan Ivan, her former opponent, ran against her again in the Democratic primary.
July 2004: Law for Teacher Jury Duty Exemption
In July 2004, a law authored by Mary Peltola, which granted teachers in underperforming schools exemption from jury duty, was signed into law by Governor Frank Murkowski.
2004: Advocating for Indigenous Language Testing
In 2004, Mary Peltola voiced her concerns about the No Child Left Behind Act, arguing that its rules could negatively impact the practice of administering tests in Yup'ik, an indigenous language spoken in some western Alaskan schools.
2008: Begins work at Donlin Creek Mine
Mary Peltola began working as the manager of community development and sustainability for the Donlin Creek Mine in 2008.
2010: Supporting Lisa Murkowski's Campaign
Following Lisa Murkowski's loss in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate, Mary Peltola lent her support to Murkowski's successful write-in campaign in 2010.
2011: Elected to Bethel City Council
Mary Peltola's political journey continued in 2011 with her election to the Bethel City Council.
2013: Term Ends on Bethel City Council
In 2013, Mary Peltola's term on the Bethel City Council came to an end.
2014: Concludes work at Donlin Creek Mine
In 2014, Mary Peltola concluded her work at the Donlin Creek Mine.
2015: Transition to Lobbying
From 2015, Mary Peltola transitioned into the field of lobbying in Alaska.
2016: Leading the Kuskokwim River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission
Mary Peltola assumed the role of executive director of the Kuskokwim River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission in 2016.
2017: Conclusion of Lobbying Work
In 2017, Mary Peltola concluded her work as a lobbyist in Alaska.
2020: Serving as a Tribal Judge
Mary Peltola took on the role of a judge on the Orutsararmiut Native Council's tribal court in 2020.
2021: Conclusion of Tribal Judge Role
Mary Peltola concluded her service as a judge on the Orutsararmiut Native Council's tribal court in 2021.
August 2022: Peltola Wins Special Election
In August 2022, Mary Peltola won the special election to succeed Don Young as U.S. Representative, defeating Sarah Palin and Nick Begich.
September 13, 2022: Sworn in as Alaska's U.S. Representative
Mary Peltola was officially sworn in as Alaska's U.S. Representative on September 13, 2022, marking a historic moment as Congress had its first-ever simultaneous representation of an Alaska Native, Native Americans, and a Native Hawaiian.
September 2022: Peltola Becomes U.S. Representative
Mary Peltola began serving as the U.S. Representative for Alaska's at-large congressional district in September 2022.
September 29, 2022: First Bill Passed
On September 29, 2022, Mary Peltola achieved a significant milestone as her first bill, aimed at creating an Office of Food Security within the Department of Veterans Affairs, was successfully passed by the House.
November 2022: Peltola Wins Full Term
Mary Peltola secured a full term as U.S. Representative in the November 2022 election.
November 2022: Endorsements and Victory in General Election
Leading up to the November 2022 election, Mary Peltola received endorsements from the daughters of the late Representative Don Young and several of his former staff members. She went on to win the election, defeating Sarah Palin.
December 8, 2022: Support for Marriage Equality
On December 8, 2022, Mary Peltola cast her vote in favor of the Respect for Marriage Act. This act repealed the Defense of Marriage Act and ensured federal recognition of both same-sex and interracial marriages.
2022: Seeking a Full Term and Receiving Endorsement
Mary Peltola ran for a full term in the 2022 general election, securing first place in the primary. She garnered a notable endorsement from Alaskan Senator Lisa Murkowski, who, despite their differing party affiliations, chose to support Peltola.
2022: Progressing to General Election and Runoff
In the 2022 Alaska's at-large congressional district special election primary, Mary Peltola was one of three candidates to advance to the general election. She secured a spot in the runoff, ultimately winning against Sarah Palin and Nick Begich.
2022: Vote Against Railroad Contract
During the 2022 United States railroad labor dispute, Mary Peltola was among a small group of House Democrats who opposed a bill that sought to impose a new contract on railroad workers. Her decision stemmed from the contract's lack of provisions for paid sick days.
January 31, 2023: Vote Against Healthcare Worker Mandate Repeal
On January 31, 2023, Mary Peltola voted against the Freedom for Health Care Workers Act, which aimed to remove the COVID-19 vaccine requirement for healthcare professionals.
February 1, 2023: Vote Against Ending COVID-19 National Emergency
On February 1, 2023, Mary Peltola opposed a resolution to end the national emergency declaration related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
February 9, 2023: Vote Against Condemning D.C. Non-Citizen Voting Rights
On February 9, 2023, Mary Peltola voted against a resolution expressing disapproval of the Local Resident Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2022, a proposed law in Washington, D.C., to grant non-citizens the right to vote in local elections.
February 2023: Peltola Selects Bipartisan Staff
In February 2023, Mary Peltola demonstrated a commitment to bipartisanship by appointing Republican Josh Revak, her former opponent, to manage her Alaska office. Her staff also included individuals who had served under her Republican predecessor.
April 2023: Chief of Staff Transition
In April 2023, Alex Ortiz, Mary Peltola's chief of staff, transitioned from his congressional role to support her campaign in Southeast Alaska.
April 20, 2023: Opposition to Restrictions on Transgender Athletes
On April 20, 2023, Mary Peltola voted against the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, denouncing it as discriminatory against transgender individuals. This bill aimed to restrict participation in competitive sports based on assigned sex rather than gender identity. Peltola criticized the bill, stating, "I don't know why on Earth as adults and national leaders, we'd be piling on and targeting them and trying to make their lives even harder."
June 13, 2023: Vote to Repeal ATF Pistol Brace Regulations
On June 13, 2023, Mary Peltola joined a bipartisan group, including Democrat Jared Golden, in voting for H.J. Res. 44, a bill that sought to overturn new regulations on pistol braces implemented by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
September 13, 2023: Husband's Death in Plane Crash
On September 13, 2023, Mary Peltola's husband, Eugene "Buzzy" Peltola Jr., who previously held the position of Alaska director for the Bureau of Indian Affairs, tragically passed away in a plane crash while awaiting rescue.
2023: Only Democrat with Statewide Office
As of 2023, Mary Peltola holds the distinction of being the sole Democrat holding a statewide office in Alaska.
2023: Vote Against Troop Withdrawal from Syria
In 2023, Mary Peltola opposed H.Con.Res. 21, a resolution demanding the removal of U.S. military personnel from Syria within 180 days.