Wisconsin Republican gubernatorial hopeful Rep. Tom Tiffany managed to survive a freak accident in which the single-engine plane he was traveling in Saturday suddenly lost power and made an emergency landing on Lake Wausau, forcing him to swim for his life.
Tiffany (R-Wis.) and the pilot were in a four-seat Beechcraft Bonanza headed for Wausau Downtown Airport when the aircraft suddenly lost power.
“God was watching over us tonight, and I am incredibly grateful to be here in the hospital with my wife, Chris, by my side. An experience like this reminds you just how precious life is,” Tiffany posted on X after surviving the accident.
The pair had called 911 after landing on the water, but the aircraft quickly began sinking, forcing the two to swim to a shallow part of the lake to wait for emergency responders. They were then checked into Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
Tiffany, who is in a very competitive race against Democratic Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, had been traveling after speaking at the La Crosse County Lincoln Day Dinner.
“I want to express my deepest gratitude to the pilot, the Wausau Fire Department, and all of the first responders who came to our aid so quickly,” Tiffany added. “They got us safely off the water and transported us to Aspirus Wausau Hospital, where we received excellent care. Thankfully, both the pilot and I sustained only minor injuries.”
The cause of the freak incident is currently unknown but is being investigated. Tiffany hails from Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District, which is comprised of rural areas in the northwestern and central parts of the state.
“I’m grateful to God that Congressman Tiffany and no one else was hurt in this horrifying incident, which could have been a tragedy if not for the heroism of the pilot,” Crowley posted on X in response.
“I wish them and the Congressman a quick recovery and that they can find solace with their loved ones.”
The Wisconsin gubernatorial race had gained national attention last month when Crowley faced off in his primary against state Rep. Francesca Hong, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA).
Hong had, at one point, suggested that Thanksgiving should be canceled, called for abolishing the police, and fantasized about a “world without prisons.” At the time, she was polled as the frontrunner in the Democratic primary.
But after her many far-left positions came to light, Crowley ultimately won the nomination.
