US Rep. Peltola's campaign manager joins congresswoman's DC staff

Jan. 18—WASHINGTON — Alaska Democratic Rep. Mary Peltola's campaign manager, Anton McParland, will be the congresswoman's deputy chief of staff.

McParland began running Peltola's congressional campaign just days before the August special election, when Peltola defeated former Gov. Sarah Palin and businessman Nick Begich, both Republicans. As deputy chief, McParland will manage Peltola's office alongside chief of staff Alex Ortiz. Ortiz was also chief of staff for the late Alaska Republican Rep. Don Young.

"I think the campaign was a wonderful experience that left me feeling really invested in both 'team Mary' and the promises and commitments to the wonderful people that helped give us the victory in 2022," McParland said in an interview. "I feel privileged to be able to jump into this role to help work with those people and affect change, given that we were able to collectively pull off this win together."

McParland previously did work for labor organizations, including the Service Employees International Union and the National Education Association. He has a background working in Democratic politics in Oregon, Illinois and Virginia, and said he has also worked on nonpartisan campaigns. McParland moved to Alaska to work on Peltola's campaign.

McParland will continue to work part-time as campaign manager during his free time, a practice that is fairly common among congressional staffers. House rules allow official staffers to work on campaigns on their "own time" as long as they do not do so in congressional facilities or use official resources.

Samuel Erickson, who is from Alaska and previously worked for communications firm Strategies 360, is also joining Peltola's team as press secretary. He replaces Josh Wilson, who had been with Peltola's congressional office from the start. Wilson has said he never intended to stay in the role long-term and is returning to his home state of Iowa.

With the new hires, the Washington, D.C., office is currently complete with 10 staffers, according to Ortiz.

There are some vacancies in Alaska. Claire Richardson, director of constituent services, is leaving the team. Her departure leaves two staffers based in Alaska — Mark Black, special assistant, in Anchorage and Tyson Fick, special assistant for fishing policy and in-state constituent services, in Juneau. Peltola currently does not have a state director.

Daily News reporter Iris Samuels contributed.

Correction: A previous version of this story included an incorrect job title for Samuel Erickson.