Peggy Flanagan Makes History as First Native American Woman Elected to Senate
Flanagan, 47, secured the Minnesota seat for Democrats, succeeding retiring Democratic Sen. Tina Smith and marking a new milestone in a political career defined by breaking representation barriers.
Her victory represents a significant development for Native American participation in the Senate, where only four Native American men had served before her election. The chamber had been without Native American representation since former Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin left earlier this year to become secretary of Homeland Security under President Donald Trump.
Strengthening Democrats’ progressive wing
Flanagan’s arrival in the Senate is also expected to reinforce the Democratic Party’s progressive faction.
Her campaign advocated a broad policy agenda, including Medicare for All, universal childcare, nationwide paid family and medical leave, increasing the federal minimum wage to $17 an hour and dismantling Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
She received support from prominent progressive politicians, among them Sen. Bernie Sanders.
Her Senate bid followed a challenging Democratic primary campaign against US Rep. Angie Craig and came amid political tensions with Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.
Republicans also sought to make a fraud scandal involving state-operated programs an issue in the race. Flanagan denied responsibility, maintaining that Walz, as governor, ultimately bore accountability for the administration.
Established record on Indigenous rights
Flanagan, an enrolled member of the White Earth Band of Ojibwe, had already achieved several historic milestones before entering the Senate race.
When she took office as Minnesota’s lieutenant governor in 2019, she became the first Native American and the first woman of color elected to statewide office in the state.
During her tenure, she worked alongside tribal governments and contributed to efforts to reshape Minnesota’s relationship with its 11 tribal nations.
Her initiatives included expanding consultations with tribal leaders, advancing land restoration, reinforcing protections for tribal interests and helping create Minnesota’s first office dedicated to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives.
Advocacy for Indigenous communities also has deep roots in her family. Her father, Marvin Manypenny, was a prominent activist from the White Earth community who campaigned for Native American rights and tribal sovereignty. He died in January 2020.
Political career from education board to Senate
Flanagan earned a degree in child psychology and a minor in American Indian studies from the University of Minnesota.
Before pursuing elected office, she worked with the Division of Indian Work and Wellstone Action, a nonprofit organization focused on training political candidates and community organizers.
Her political career began with service on the Minneapolis Board of Education, where she served from 2005 to 2009. She later represented a district in the Minnesota House of Representatives from 2015 to 2018.
In 2018, Walz selected Flanagan as his running mate. Following their election victory, she assumed the role of lieutenant governor in January 2019.
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