Reports: Native Women Make Historic Election Gains

Native American women won landmark victories in the midterm elections: Crystalyne Curley was elected the first woman president of the Navajo Nation, Peggy Flanagan became the first Native American woman elected to the U.S. Senate, and Deb Haaland was elected New Mexico’s governor, the first Native American woman to lead a state. Tina Abrams also became the first woman to lead the Seneca Nation of Indians in its modern history. Organizers said the wins reflect years of political work and a broader shift in Native communities; at least 75 Native women, nonbinary and Two Spirit candidates were elected nationwide, according to advocacy and news organizations. The victories follow a long history of barriers to Native political participation and representation.