Peggy Moore, a former campaign worker for President Barack Obama, and her wife, Hope Wood, were killed in a head-on collision on a California highway last weekend. The accident occurred on Friday night near Fallbrook in San Diego County. According to the California Highway Patrol, the crash involved three cars when a Chrysler crossed the center line and struck the Jeep in which Moore and Wood were traveling.
Moore, 60, and Wood, 48, were both killed along with their driver and the driver of the vehicle that hit them. Moore was highly regarded in political circles in California, having served as a deputy field director for Obama’s 2008 campaign and as a senior adviser to former Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf. The couple, who met while working on the Obama campaign, founded the political consulting firm Hope Action For Change in 2019.
On Saturday night, Schaaf led a wake for the couple, joined by friends and colleagues. Schaaf described Moore as a “giant” in political circles who was deeply committed to democracy and believed in giving everyone a voice in government. “It took you two hours to walk anywhere with Peggy — maybe more because she knew everybody,” Schaaf said. “I’m in such deep grief for myself personally because she’s someone I loved and admired so much. And I’m in grief for democracy. (Moore) is someone who believed everyone should have a voice in government. She never gave up on the beautiful essence of democracy, even when it gave up on her. She infused this nuclear love into everything she did.”
Kimberly Ellis, a close friend, reflected on the couple’s bond and their impact. “These were two almost twin flames that couldn’t bear to be apart in this life or in the other, and they really just had to be together when they left,” Ellis told NBC San Diego. “It’s an incredible loss, not just in the professional political world, but in our personal world as well. She was the one that helped to win the Golden State for [Obama]. She helped on the first Hillary Clinton campaign. Any campaign that really had to have a top-notch organizing strategy, they went to Peggy.”
Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) expressed her sorrow on social media, saying, “I’m heartbroken to hear of the tragic loss of Peggy Moore and Hope Wood. Peggy was a friend, an activist, and one of the best organizers I knew. Her passion and fight for justice and equality is what brought her and Hope together.”
I’m heartbroken to hear of the tragic loss of Peggy Moore and Hope wood. Peggy was a friend, an activist, and one of the best organizers I knew. Her passion and fight for justice and equality is what brought her and Hope together. pic.twitter.com/fJlTYRiBSI
— Rep. Barbara Lee (@RepBarbaraLee) May 12, 2024
California Democratic Party Chairman Rusty Hicks also paid tribute to Moore, noting, “She was an incredible political talent & member of Team CADEM who brought a passion for organizing & a commitment to justice every single day. Our thoughts are with her family & the many friends who loved her. Rest In Power, Peggy.”
Authorities are still investigating the cause of the accident and whether alcohol or drugs were involved.