Democrat Deb Haaland becomes the first Native American woman elected governor in United States history following the 2026 New Mexico gubernatorial election.
A member of the Laguna Pueblo, Haaland’s historic victory represents another significant milestone for Indigenous women in American politics and a breakthrough in representation at the highest levels of state government.
Haaland is no stranger to making history. In 2018, she became one of the first two Native American women elected to Congress, alongside Sharice Davids of Kansas. She later became the first Native American to serve as a U.S. Cabinet secretary when President Joe Biden appointed her secretary of the interior in 2021.
Her political career has centered on issues including environmental protection, public lands, tribal sovereignty and the rights of Indigenous communities.
Haaland defeated Republican Gregg Hull, the former mayor of Rio Rancho, in the Nov. 3 election. Unofficial results from New Mexico election officials showed Haaland receiving approximately 57% of the vote.
The historic election night also brought a groundbreaking victory for Peggy Flanagan, who became the first Native American woman elected to the U.S. Senate.
Flanagan, a citizen of the White Earth Nation and Minnesota’s lieutenant governor, defeated Republican Michele Tafoya in the race to succeed retiring Democratic Sen. Tina Smith.
Before her Senate victory, Flanagan made history in 2018 when she was elected Minnesota’s lieutenant governor. Her career has included advocacy for children, working families, education and Indigenous communities.
