Republican Wisconsin gubernatorial candidate and U.S. Representative Tom Tiffany experienced a close call on Saturday night when a small plane he was aboard lost power and required an emergency landing in Lake Wausau. Tiffany, who was returning from the La Crosse County Lincoln Day Dinner, managed to escape with only minor injuries.
As the aircraft approached Wausau Downtown Airport, it suddenly lost power. The pilot made the quick decision to conduct a water landing. Tiffany shared that after the landing, they immediately called 911. As the plane began to sink, they swam to a shallow area where they awaited rescue by emergency responders.
The Marathon County Sheriff’s Office reported the private aircraft entered Lake Wausau around 9 p.m. on Saturday. Local sources confirmed both occupants sustained minor injuries and were transported to a nearby hospital.
Tiffany expressed gratitude towards the Wausau Fire Department and other first responders for their prompt action. He also expressed relief at having only minor injuries, thankful to be in the company of his wife, Chris, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. He remarked on the precious nature of life, feeling fortunate to have survived such an ordeal.
Who Is Tom Tiffany?
Tom Tiffany is a Republican congressman for Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District and a governor candidate for 2026. He stepped into Congress after winning a special election in 2020 and previously served in both the Wisconsin State Assembly and State Senate. Having grown up on a dairy farm, Tiffany, alongside his wife, Chris, once managed a Northwoods excursion-boat business. He holds positions on the House Judiciary and Natural Resources committees.
Politicians and Small-Plane Travel
Small planes are a common mode of travel for American politicians, especially in larger, rural states. Aviation incidents have played significant roles in political history. For instance, in October 2002, Minnesota Senator Paul Wellstone perished in a plane crash. Similarly, in October 2000, Missouri Governor Mel Carnahan died in a twin-engine Cessna crash during a campaign trip. Former Alaska Senator Ted Stevens also died in a 2010 floatplane crash after surviving a previous aviation accident.
This article continues to develop as more details emerge.
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