Historic Wins for Indigenous and Minority Candidates in US Elections

The November 3 US midterm elections resulted in significant victories for Indigenous Americans, Black politicians, Latino candidates, and other minority groups, marking a transformative moment in the political landscape. Deb Haaland, a Democrat and citizen of the Laguna Pueblo tribe, won in New Mexico, becoming the first Native American woman elected governor of a US state.

Previously, she served as Interior Secretary under President Joe Biden. In Minnesota, Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, an enrolled member of the White Earth Band of Ojibwe, defeated Republican Michele Tafoya to become the first Indigenous woman elected to the US Senate, succeeding retiring Senator Tina Smith.

Additionally, in Michigan, Democrat Abdul El-Sayed won against Republican Mike Rogers, making history as the first Muslim elected to the US Senate. El-Sayed, an Egyptian-American and former public health official, previously held positions as Detroit’s health director and led the Wayne County Department of Health, Human and Veterans Services.