Peggy Flanagan could make history for Native American women in November. She’s not the only one.

August 12, 2026

Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan won Minnesota's Democratic primary for U.S. Senate, positioning her to potentially become the first Native American woman elected to the chamber. She joins other Native women making historic political strides this year, including former Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, who is expected to become New Mexico's next governor after securing the Democratic nomination. These potential victories would significantly advance representation for Native American women, who currently make up only 1.

Who is affected

Native American women and Indigenous communities across the United States
Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan (White Earth Band of Ojibwe)
Former Interior Secretary Deb Haaland (Laguna Pueblo member)
Former Rep. Mary Peltola (Alaska Native)
Rep. Sharice Davids of Kansas (Ho-Chunk Nation)
Native American tribes impacted by federal funding cuts and layoffs
Families of murdered and missing Indigenous women
Federal workers at the Bureau of Indian Education, Indian Health Services, and Bureau of Indian Affairs
Students at K-12 schools and higher education institutions operated by the Bureau of Indian Education

What action is being taken

Flanagan is campaigning for the U.S. Senate general election against Michele Tafoya
Haaland is running for New Mexico governor
The Trump administration is making funding cuts and layoffs to programs benefiting Native American tribes
Minnesota's state-level office on missing and murdered Indigenous women is serving as a liaison for families, pushing for data collection, and forging new training standards for police officers

Why it matters

Native American women face severe underrepresentation in government despite being 1.5 percent of the U.S. population, with only one currently serving in Congress when equitable representation would require at least seven. This lack of representation has left critical issues affecting Indigenous communities—such as the epidemic of violence against Native women, who face murder rates at 10 times the national average, and federal treaty obligations—without adequate national attention or advocacy. Having Native American women in positions of power brings lived experience and authentic perspectives to policy-making, ensures their communities have visible voices in government, and demonstrates to young Indigenous people that they can maintain their full cultural identity while serving in leadership roles. Democracy functions best when it accurately reflects the people it represents, making these historic candidacies significant for both Indigenous communities and the broader democratic system.

What's next

Flanagan will face Michele Tafoya in the general election in November
If elected, Flanagan plans to continue work on murdered and missing Indigenous women issues and advocate for federal government honoring of treaty rights and tribal sovereignty

Read full article from source: The 19th