Congresswoman-elect Peltola lands in Bethel before heading to Washington D.C. – Alaska Public Media

Consultant-elect Mary Peltola touched down in Bethel on Wednesday to spend a couple of nights in her hometown earlier than she heads to Washington D.C.

Peltola will function Alaska’s sole U.S. Consultant and grow to be the primary Alaska Native in Congress when she’s sworn in on Sept. 13.

A small crowd circled Peltola subsequent to the luggage carousel on the Alaska Airways terminal, as Alaska’s soon-to-be Congresswoman pulled a inexperienced curler bag behind her as she hugged household and buddies and took photographs with supporters.

Some had indicators to welcome Peltola residence. Kathy Hanson’s selfmade posterboard signal merely mentioned “Rep. Peltola.”

“I’m so excited that we have now truly elected a U.S. consultant who’s from right here and she or he’s a lady. Oh my gosh,” Hanson mentioned. “And she or he’s Alaska Native.”

Different supporters, like Alice Jung, simply occurred to be catching flights, however have been excited to be swept into the welcoming committee even when they weren’t there particularly to greet Peltola.

“It’s simply good to see an Alaska Native in there,” Jung mentioned. “She is aware of all our issues within the bush.”

Gracie Nelson was additionally on the airport to catch a flight out of city, and she or he and her two nieces hopped into a bunch image with Peltola and a crowd of supporters, household, and buddies.

“Simply so pleased with her,” Nelson mentioned. “She’s come alongside so nicely for herself and she or he’s achieved a lot, I really feel like. And everyone’s going for her.”

Bev Hoffman helped arrange the occasion. She’s recognized Peltola for the reason that congresswoman-elect was a baby, and she or he cried final week when the election outcomes have been introduced.

“I yelled, and screamed, and jumped up and down, and I simply was overwhelmed with pleasure,” Hoffman mentioned.

Peltola’s members of the family have been on the airport to greet her as nicely, together with her sister, Margaret Fitka, who Peltola wrapped in a protracted hug.

“We’re simply so excited and pleased with her,” Fitka mentioned. “To only put your self on the market. And to see her win? It’s simply superior.”

Ana Hoffman stood close to Fitka. Ana is the president and CEO of Bethel Native Company and the co-chair of the Alaska Federation of Natives. She’s additionally an in depth good friend of Peltola’s.

“I believe she’s simply ran an awesome marketing campaign. And all through she’s simply actually stayed true to her values. And so I’ve confidence that that may proceed to hold by way of to her success,” mentioned Ana.

As soon as she’s sworn in, Peltola will serve the final 4 months of late Rep. Don Younger’s time period. She’s operating in November to serve the seat’s subsequent full, two-year time period.