A win for Harris-Walz could make history with first Native American female governor

If Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, are elected this fall, it would mark a historic moment in American politics. Not only would a woman of color lead the country for the first time, but a Native woman would also govern a state for the first time in U.S. history.

Peggy Flanagan, the lieutenant governor of Minnesota and a member of the White Earth Band of Ojibwe, is poised to become the state’s next governor should Walz accept the role of U.S. vice president. Her journey to power has been closely followed by Indigenous communities in Minnesota and beyond, as she champions policies that positively impact Native Americans.

In recent years, Minnesota has made significant strides in integrating tribal consultation into state governance, establishing initiatives to address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives, and strengthening laws safeguarding Native children in the adoption system. Indigenous leaders credit Flanagan for spearheading these changes and fostering greater respect for tribal sovereignty and autonomy in state policies.

Flanagan has held the distinction of being the highest-ranking Native American statewide official in the nation since her election as lieutenant governor in 2018. Rather than working invisibly behind the scenes, Flanagan and Walz have chosen to govern as a team. Their administration has prioritized building government-to-government relationships with tribal nations in Minnesota, positioning Flanagan as a pivotal figure in a new era of politics where Native women play a leading role.

President Joe Biden’s decision to step aside and make way for Harris as the Democratic presidential nominee reflects a broader trend observed by Flanagan. “He created space for a woman of color to lead. And truthfully, that’s what Tim Walz did for me,” she remarked.

Flanagan’s ascent to the governor’s office would further cement her standing among Indigenous female leaders, alongside figures like Secretary of Interior Deb Haaland and Congresswoman Sharice Davids. A record number of 36 Native American women were elected to state legislatures nationwide in 2023, illustrating a growing trend of diverse representation in politics.

Flanagan’s impact on Minnesota’s political landscape has been profound, doubling the number of Native women in the state legislature since she assumed office. She emphasizes the importance of diverse voices in governance and the necessity of underrepresented populations having a seat at the table.

Flanagan’s political journey is characterized by her unwavering commitment to advancing the rights of Indigenous people, especially children. Her collaborative efforts with Walz to enhance tribal consultation within state departments have enhanced Indigenous visibility and respect for tribal sovereignty.

Raised in Minneapolis, a hub of Indigenous activism, Flanagan’s advocacy for Native rights stems from her upbringing and the values instilled by her father, the late White Earth activist Marvin Mannypenny. Mannypenny’s belief in the inherent right of Native people to govern themselves continues to inspire Flanagan in her work today.

Flanagan’s journey from grassroots organizer to potential governor exemplifies the transformative power of representation in politics. As the first Native woman to hold such office in Minnesota, she serves as an inspiration to a new generation of Indigenous leaders across the country.

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Graham Lee Brewer is an Oklahoma City-based member of AP’s Race and Ethnicity team.