Native American and Indigenous political representation is reaching new heights as voters prepare for the November 3, 2026, midterm elections.

According to research compiled by ICT News and Advance Native Political Leadership, a record 363 Indigenous candidates participated in the 2026 election cycle, representing a 44% increase from 2024.

Candidates have entered races for Congress, state legislatures, statewide offices, city councils, school boards, and other local government positions.

The growing number of candidates reflects increasing participation in the political process and a broader effort to bring Native perspectives into government at every level.

Native Candidates Seek Office Across the Country

Of the 363 Indigenous candidates identified during the election cycle, 130 ran for state legislative positions, with 92 advancing to the November 3 general election.

Another 11 Indigenous candidates are competing for statewide offices, while 117 Native candidates are running in local elections across 17 states.

These candidates represent numerous Tribal Nations and bring experience in education, public service, tribal government, business, and community leadership.

Among the notable candidates are:

• Deb Haaland, a citizen of the Pueblo of Laguna and former U.S. Secretary of the Interior, running for governor of New Mexico.

• Katie Fire Thunder, an Oglala Lakota candidate running for the Montana House of Representatives.

• Jessica Lopez-Walker, a citizen of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, running for the Iowa House of Representatives.

• James Ramos, a member of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, seeking reelection to the California State Assembly.

• Tyson Running Wolf, a member of the Blackfeet Nation, running for the Montana State Senate.

These campaigns demonstrate the range of political offices Native candidates are pursuing, from local leadership positions to some of the highest offices in state government.

A Historic Opportunity for Native Representation

Several races carry the possibility of historic firsts.

In New Mexico, Deb Haaland is seeking to become the first Native American woman elected governor in the United States. Haaland previously made history in 2018 as one of the first two Native American women elected to Congress, alongside Sharice Davids of Kansas.

In Iowa, Jessica Lopez-Walker is running for a seat in the state House of Representatives. If elected, she would become the first American Indian or Alaska Native person to serve in the Iowa Legislature.

Montana has also emerged as an important state for Native political representation, with 13 Indigenous candidates advancing to the general election in state legislative races.

The number of states featuring Indigenous legislative candidates has expanded as well, with candidates appearing on ballots in 25 states.

Why Native Representation Matters

Having Native Americans serve in elected office creates opportunities for tribal perspectives to be included in decisions affecting communities across the country.

State and local governments make decisions on issues such as:

• Education and school funding

• Economic development and infrastructure

• Healthcare access

• Natural resource management

• Tribal-state relations

• Voting access and election administration

Native elected officials bring personal experience and community knowledge to these discussions while representing the interests of their broader constituencies.

The increase in candidates also gives younger generations more examples of Native leadership in public office.

Encouraging Civic Engagement Across Indian Country

The record number of candidates highlights the importance of continued voter education, registration, and civic participation.

Organizations such as TBIPAC work to increase political awareness and encourage greater engagement between Native communities and government leaders.

As more Native candidates pursue elected office, informed participation remains essential to ensuring communities understand the issues, candidates, and decisions appearing on their ballots.

The 2026 election cycle demonstrates that Native political participation continues to grow, creating new opportunities for representation at the local, state, and national levels.

Looking Ahead

With Election Day approaching on November 3, voters across the country will have an opportunity to participate in races featuring a historic number of Indigenous candidates.

Regardless of individual election outcomes, the increase in Native candidates marks an important development in American politics.

From school boards and city councils to state legislatures and governor's offices, Native Americans are pursuing leadership roles that can help shape public policy for years to come.

The continued growth of Native political participation reflects a promising future for civic engagement, representation, and leadership across Indian Country.