In this election year 2026, America is seeing three native American women Democrats running for higher office, and the likelihood that all three might triumph, and add to the accomplishments of native Americans.
In New Mexico, former Congresswoman Deb Haaland, also the former Secretary of the Interior under President Joe Biden, is campaigning for Governor.
In Minnesota, two term Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan is campaigning for the US Senate seat of retiring Senator Tina Smith.
And in Alaska, former Congresswoman Mary Peltola is also campaigning for the US Senate seat now held by Republican Dan Sullivan. She was able to defeat former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin twice in Congressional races.
Haaland is a member of the Laguna Pueblo tribe, and Flanagan is a member of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe (also known as the White Earth Nation), while Peltola is from the Yup’ik (Alaska Native) tribe.
If these three Native American women win, they will be the first of their gender to have accomplished such high office!