Minnesota Senate Candidate Austin Peterson Injured in Rollover Crash

“I am grateful to be alive,” said Austin Peterson, a Republican candidate for the Minnesota Senate, following a rollover crash in rural Clay County on Tuesday, Oct. 27. Peterson was driving southbound on Minnesota Highway 32 south of Hawley around 6:30 p.m. when his 2021 Toyota Tundra left the roadway and overturned.

The accident occurred before the Nov. 3 election for Senate District 4. Peterson, a Hawley resident and school board member, sustained injuries that the Minnesota State Patrol described as non-life-threatening. He was transported to Sanford Medical Center in Fargo for treatment.

A split-second decision on Highway 32

According to statements, Peterson encountered a northbound vehicle that entered his lane of travel. Faced with a potential head-on collision, Peterson made a split-second decision to steer his pickup into the ditch to avoid the other car, resulting in the rollover.

Once the vehicle was overturned, Peterson’s seatbelt would not release. He was eventually freed by a good Samaritan who stopped at the scene to assist him before first responders arrived.

Minnesota Senate Candidate Austin Peterson Injured in Rollover Crash — Photo: yahoo.com

The response effort involved a coordinated effort from several local agencies:

Minnesota State Patrol
Clay County Sheriff’s Office
Hawley Fire Department
Barnesville Ambulance

Peterson has since provided the Minnesota State Patrol with a description of the vehicle that forced him off the road. The State Patrol’s incident report confirms Peterson was the sole occupant of the Tundra.

Peterson runs to unseat Senator Rob Kupec

Peterson is running to unseat the incumbent, DFL State Senator Rob Kupec of Moorhead. The Senate District 4 seat covers Clay and Becker counties.

Adding a poignant personal note to the event, a post on Peterson’s campaign Facebook page noted that Tuesday, the day of the crash, was the 19th wedding anniversary for him and his wife, Jeramie. In a statement, Senator Kupec wished Peterson’s family the best as he recovers.

“The first responders from Barnesville and Hawley were outstanding. I’m incredibly thankful for their professionalism, quick response, and the care they showed me,” Peterson wrote in a post on his campaign’s Facebook page.

As the Nov. 3 election approaches, the focus now shifts to Peterson’s recovery after the crash. He has expressed deep gratitude toward those who aided him, stating simply, “We won’t forget it.”