Haaland and Flanagan make history: 2 native american women win firsts in 2026 midterm elections

Two historic election victories

Peggy Flanagan won a Senate seat, making her the first Native woman elected to the office. Together, Haaland’s and Flanagan’s victories marked firsts for Native women as Democrats swept races nationwide.

Flanagan’s path to office

In that role, she helped reshape Minnesota’s relationship with its 11 tribal nations. During the campaign, she drew on her upbringing to connect with voters facing financial pressure and ran as a progressive, supporting “Medicare for All” and national paid family and medical leave.

Haaland’s campaign story

On the campaign trail, Haaland spoke about raising her daughter alone, selling homemade salsa and relying on food stamps at times. She defeated Hull to win the governorship.

Recognition and another race

The National Congress of American Indians, described as the country’s oldest and largest association of tribal governments, called the victories historic milestones for Indian Country. Native American women make up approximately 1% of the U.S. population, according to U.S. Census Bureau data, and have long been underrepresented in elected office.

The article attributes a statement to Wright saying the wins show young Native girls that their voices matter, their leadership is essential and they belong wherever possibilities are reimagined. In Alaska, Democrat Mary Peltola, who is Yup’ik, was in a toss-up Senate race against incumbent Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan, according to CBS News estimates. The result may not be decided until ranked-choice tabulation later this month.