Historic Wins for Native American Women in 2026 Elections

On the night of the 2026 midterm elections, two Native American women achieved historic victories, one securing a Senate seat and the other a governorship. These achievements marked the first time Native women reached these political milestones. The election saw Democrats winning numerous races across the nation.

Groundbreaking Leadership in New Mexico

In New Mexico, Deb Haaland, formerly the Interior Secretary, was elected governor. This made her the first Native American woman to lead a U.S. state. Haaland defeated her Republican opponent, Gregg Hull, the former mayor of Rio Rancho. A member of the Laguna Pueblo, Haaland previously broke ground as the first Native American to serve as a Cabinet secretary.

She was the first Native American woman to chair a state political party in 2015, leading the Democratic Party of New Mexico. In 2018, she was among the first two Native American women elected to Congress, alongside Sharice Davids from Kansas. Haaland, who served under President Joe Biden from 2021 to 2025, shared her personal story of raising her daughter alone and relying on food stamps during her campaign.

Senate Victory in Minnesota

In Minnesota, Peggy Flanagan, the Lt. Governor, made history as the first Native American woman elected to the Senate. She defeated Republican Michele Tafoya, a former sports broadcaster and conservative commentator. Flanagan, from White Earth Nation, has had a diverse career starting as an organizer, serving on the Minneapolis School Board, and leading the Children’s Defense Fund Minnesota. Elected to the Minnesota House in 2015, she became lieutenant governor in 2019, improving interactions with the state’s 11 tribal nations.

Growing up with a single mother in Section 8 housing, Flanagan often dealt with childhood asthma, which led her to support Medicaid throughout her career. On election night, in St. Paul, she celebrated with supporters as White Earth leaders performed a victory song.

Their Campaign Platforms

Haaland’s campaign focused on addressing the cost of living, safeguarding New Mexico’s Universal Child Care, and reforming its child welfare system. She criticized previous cuts to federal safety programs, vowing to halt data center development until legislative protections are in place.

Flanagan’s policies reflected her upbringing, resonating with those facing financial pressures. She advocated for progressive causes such as “Medicare for All” and national paid family leave.

Significance of the Wins

The National Congress of American Indians highlighted these outcomes as significant for Indian Country. Native American women account for about 1% of the U.S. population but have historically faced underrepresentation. According to NCAI Executive Director Larry Wright Jr., these wins showcase the importance of Native voices and inspire young Native girls to see their leadership potential.

Wright emphasized the hope that this representation will drive significant progress in protecting tribal lands and honoring treaty commitments. Additionally, in Alaska, another potential Native victory looms; Democrat Mary Peltola, a Yup’ik, is contesting a Senate race that remains undecided, according to estimates.