Republican Tom Tiffany survives emergency crash-landing

A Republican gubernatorial candidate is crediting God with protecting him in the midst of a plane crash Sept. 12.

U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, R-Wis., confirmed in an X post that he and the pilot of a small aircraft were forced to make an emergency landing in Lake Wausau, Wisconsin, while returning from a La Crosse County Lincoln Day Dinner. According to Tiffany, the plane lost power en route to the Wausau Downtown Airport. Tiffany is running for governor of Wisconsin.

“God was watching over us tonight, and I am incredibly grateful to be here in the hospital with my wife, Chris[tine], by my side. An experience like this reminds you just how precious life is,” he said.

After landing on the lake, the plane began to submerge. Tiffany and the pilot, 73-year-old Wisconsinite Leonard Boltz, called 911 and swam to shallower water, where they were rescued by first responders, who took the two to Aspirus Wausau Hospital.

“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 said. “hankfully, both the pilot and I sustained only minor injuries.”

According to a press release from the Marathon County Sheriff’s office, the plane “experienced a mechanical issue” in the air, prompting the emergency crash-landing. The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board have been notified and will investigate the incident.

Tiffany began his political career in Wisconsin’s State Assembly in 2011 and served in the Wisconsin Senate for nearly a decade before being elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2020. He announced his gubernatorial campaign in September 2025 and will face Democratic Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley in November’s election.

“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 said in an X post responding to the news. “I wish them and the Congressman a quick recovery and that they can find solace with their loved ones.”