Native Women Take Historic Victories as Democrats Secure Control of Congress

The midterm elections of November 3, 2026, have concluded with a series of historic outcomes that redefine the political landscape in the United States. For the first time in the history of the Navajo Nation, a woman has been elected president, while a Native American woman has secured a seat in the U.S. Senate and another has won a state governorship. These victories occur alongside a broader shift in federal power, where Democrats have captured healthy majorities in both the House and the Senate, setting the stage for a contentious relationship with the executive branch in the coming years.

Crystalyne Curley was elected the first woman president of the Navajo Nation, narrowly defeating attorney Justin Jones according to unofficial results. Curley’s victory marks a significant departure from a tradition of male leadership that has persisted since the establishment of the modern, centralized Navajo government over a century ago. She previously served as the first female speaker of the tribal council. The Navajo Nation spans 27,000 square miles across Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah, making it the tribe with the largest land base among federally recognized groups. Curley plans to transition the nation away from coal development and reassert its role in national discussions on federal Indian policy.

The momentum for Native women extended to the U.S. Senate, where Democrat Peggy Flanagan of Minnesota was elected to the chamber. Flanagan, a citizen of the White Earth Nation and the state’s outgoing lieutenant governor, becomes the first Native American woman to serve in the Senate. She joins Republican Sen. Tom Cole of Oklahoma, a citizen of the Chickasaw Nation, in the upper chamber. A victory for Democrat Mary Peltola in Alaska’s unsettled Senate race would mark the first time three Native people have served in the chamber simultaneously. In the House, new representatives Claire Valdez of New York and Sean McCann of Michigan became the first Native Americans elected to represent their respective states in Congress.

In New Mexico, Deb Haaland was elected governor, becoming the first female Native governor of a U.S. state. Haaland, a citizen of the Laguna Pueblo, had previously served as the first Native American to lead the U.S. Interior Department. Her political career has been defined by these historic milestones, and she now faces the task of addressing the state's persistently poor education outcomes and making life more affordable for residents. She credited the support of Native women and voters for her success, noting that her presence in office matters to those who feel underrepresented.

The election results also signaled a major shift in the balance of power in Washington. Democrats have secured healthy majorities in both the House and the Senate, giving them control of the legislative agenda. This victory allows the party to launch aggressive investigations into the executive branch, a move that President Donald Trump has already labeled as extortion at the highest level. The new leadership in Congress is preparing to use its increased power to check the White House, with House Oversight Committee chair-elect Robert Garcia promising that the days of not fighting back are over.

The tone for the new Congress has been set by both sides. President Trump and his Justice Department have taken a combative stance, with Attorney General Todd Blanche stating that criminal investigations of Democrats are possible. In response, Democratic House leader Hakeem Jeffries, who is on the cusp of becoming the nation's first Black House speaker, has indicated that impeachment is an option for officials who have shortchanged the American people. Jeffries also expressed skepticism about working with new White House chief of staff Stephen Miller, calling the appointment an awful choice and a sign of the extremism that Democrats intend to push back against.

Despite the aggressive rhetoric, some incoming Democrats are cautious about making conflict the sole focus of their term. Sen.-elect Adam Hamilton of Kansas, the first Democrat elected to the Senate from that state in 94 years, expressed skepticism about impeachment, preferring to set up guardrails rather than divide the country further. Similarly, Sen. Bernie Sanders warned that while accountability is necessary, the new Congress must also stand up for working-class families and make a real difference in their lives. This internal debate reflects a tension between the mandate for oversight and the need to deliver on promises to lower the cost of living.

The election also brought attention to the issue of immigration enforcement, which became a central theme in the campaign. According to the AP Voter Poll, about 6 in 10 voters said the administration’s actions on immigration enforcement had gone too far. This sentiment was a driving force behind the Democratic victories in key districts. In Kansas, Democrat Sharice Davids won reelection, while in Oklahoma, Republican Josh Brecheen also secured his seat, ensuring a continued presence of Native voices in the House. These results underscore the growing influence of Native American voters and candidates across the country.

The Navajo Nation’s decision to elect a woman president also sparked discussion about traditional teachings and modern governance. Jennifer Nez Denetdale, a professor of Diné studies at the University of New Mexico, noted that the language of tradition has been used both to deride the possibility of a woman being president and to argue that women’s leadership is needed now. Curley acknowledged the higher standard she expects to face, stating that women have to work twice or triple as hard in Navajo politics. Her running mate, Chris Deschene, will take office with her in January, and the pair aims to restore order to the tribal government after a period of dysfunction.