Republican nominee for Wisconsin governor, Rep. Tom Tiffany, and his pilot experienced an emergency water landing in Lake Wausau late Saturday. The incident occurred when the light aircraft, a single-engine, four-seat Bonanza, lost power while approaching Wausau Downtown Airport. After the emergency landing, the plane began to submerge, prompting Tiffany and the pilot to exit the aircraft and swim to a shallow area to await emergency responders. Both sustained only minor injuries and were transported to Aspirus Wausau Hospital for treatment.
Tiffany, who represents Wisconsin's seventh congressional district and is endorsed by former President Donald Trump, expressed gratitude to the pilot, the Wausau Fire Department, and all first responders for their swift actions. His Democratic opponent, David Crowley, also posted on X, wishing Tiffany and the pilot a quick recovery and acknowledging the pilot's heroism in preventing a greater tragedy.
The incident took place as Tiffany was returning from the La Crosse County Lincoln Day Dinner in Onalaska, Wisconsin. This event comes at a crucial time in Wisconsin politics, as Tiffany is running for governor against Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley in the November 3 general election for an open governorship. Tiffany, 68, has a background in the Wisconsin Assembly and state Senate, and previously owned an excursion boat business and worked as a dam tender.
