Historic wins for Native American women in U.S. Midterm elections

Deb Haaland, a member of the Laguna Pueblo, secured the historic position of the first Native American woman to be elected governor of a U.S. state. Simultaneously, Peggy Flanagan, who identifies as Ojibway and a member of the White Earth Nation, became the first Native American woman elected to the U.S. Senate. These wins occurred amidst a broader Democratic victory, granting the party control of both chambers of Congress.

Haaland previously broke barriers in 2018 by becoming one of the first two Native American women elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. She later served as the first Native American to hold a U.S. cabinet position, as Secretary of the Interior, starting in 2021. Her gubernatorial campaign centered on affordability, economic security, and environmental protections, including a proposed moratorium on large data centers and enhanced safeguards for New Mexico’s natural resources.

During a victory celebration held Tuesday night on Laguna Pueblo land near Albuquerque, Haaland reflected on her family’s history, stating, “Just off this road, my grandmother was taken away to boarding school, and along with my grandfather, survived through a time where the federal government attempted to strip them of their languages, traditions, and identities. Yet … we are still here.” She addressed younger generations, encouraging them to pursue their dreams and highlighting New Mexico as a place where they can build a fulfilling life.

Flanagan previously served in the Minnesota House of Representatives and as the state’s lieutenant governor since 2019. Her Senate campaign emphasized tribal sovereignty, treaty obligations, and the rising cost of living. Her election brings an Indigenous perspective to the U.S. Senate, which is responsible for crafting federal laws and confirming government officials.

Speaking to Indigenous news outlets, Flanagan emphasized her commitment to upholding treaty rights and trust responsibilities. She remarked, “For a long time, Native people made a difference in electoral outcomes and now we are running for office. We are front runners and we are winning and it’s probably about time.” Wab Kinew, premier of Manitoba, publicly congratulated Flanagan on social media.

The Alaska Senate race between Mary Peltola, a Yup’ik politician and former Alaska congresswoman, and Republican incumbent Dan Sullivan, remains undecided. Peltola seeks to join the ranks of Indigenous women in the Senate. Results are expected later this November as mail-in ballots are tallied. Peltola was the first Alaska Native elected to Congress in 2022, serving in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Across the country, a record number of Indigenous candidates ran for office in 2026. Data from Advanced Native Political Leadership (ANPL) revealed at least 359 Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian candidates were on the ballot in 36 states, a significant increase from 268 candidates in 25 states in 2024. N’kiyla Jasmine Thomas, a Chickasaw candidate, was unsuccessful in her Oklahoma Senate bid. Sharice Davids, a member of the Ho-Chunk Nation, secured re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives, continuing her service alongside Haaland as one of two Native American women elected to Congress in 2018.