2 Native American women make history in midterm election
In New Mexico, former Interior Secretary Deb Haaland was elected governor, making her the first Native American woman elected to lead a U.S. state. In Minnesota, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan became the first Native American woman senator.
Key points
- Deb Haaland was elected governor of New Mexico, becoming the first Native American woman to lead a U.S. state.
- Peggy Flanagan became the first Native American woman senator after winning in Minnesota.
- The National Congress of American Indians called the wins historic milestones for Indian Country.
Two Native American women made history in the 2026 midterm elections on Tuesday, winning a Senate seat and a governorship, both firsts for Native women. In New Mexico, former Interior Secretary Deb Haaland was elected governor, the first Native American woman elected to lead a U.S. state. In Minnesota, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan became the first Native American woman senator.
Haaland, a citizen of Laguna Pueblo, defeated Republican Gregg Hull, former mayor of Rio Rancho. Flanagan, an enrolled member of White Earth Nation, defeated Republican Michele Tafoya, a former sports broadcaster and conservative commentator.
Backgrounds and campaign priorities
Haaland was the first Native American woman to chair a state political party in 2015 and one of the first two Native American women elected to Congress in 2018. She served as Interior secretary from 2021 until January 2025. She ran on the cost of living, protecting New Mexico's Universal Child Care program and overhauling its child welfare system, and promised a day-one executive order pausing construction of new large-scale data centers until the Legislature passes guardrails.
Flanagan served on the Minneapolis School Board, was elected to the Minnesota House in 2015 and has been lieutenant governor since 2019. She ran as a progressive, backing "Medicare for All" and national paid family and medical leave.
Minnesota, you just beat Donald Trump again
— Peggy Flanagan
Reaction and a possible third first
The National Congress of American Indians called the wins historic milestones for Indian Country. Executive Director Larry Wright Jr. said in a statement to CBS News that the victories send young Native girls the message that their voices matter.
In Alaska, Democrat Mary Peltola, who is Yup'ik, is in a Senate race with incumbent Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan that remains a toss-up, according to CBS News estimates. The outcome may not be decided until ranked-choice tabulation later this month.
