Record Candidacies Among Native Americans in 2026 Elections

A record number of Native American and Indigenous candidates, totaling at least 355, have entered local, state, and federal primary and general elections this year. This marks a significant increase in political participation among these communities.

Former Interior Secretary Deb Haaland is campaigning for the position of governor in New Mexico. Her election as governor would be groundbreaking, as no Native American woman has ever held a governorship or a seat in the U.S. Senate.

Other notable candidates include former Congresswoman Mary Peltola from Alaska and Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. Both are actively pursuing seats in the U.S. Senate, potentially making history with their wins.