Native American women make history in US midterm elections

Two Indigenous women made history in the US midterm election, with Peggy Flanagan becoming the first Native American woman elected to the Senate and Deb Haaland the first elected governor of a state. Their wins came amid a record 225 Indigenous candidates running nationwide. Flanagan, a Minnesota Democrat, defeated Republican Michele Tafoya, while Haaland, a New Mexico Democrat, beat Gregg Hull. The victories reflect a nearly 400 percent rise in Indigenous primary candidates since 2016, with women comprising over half of those on ballots. In Alaska, a tight Senate race involving Yup'ik Democrat Mary Peltola remains unresolved, with Trump demanding votes be transferred to Republican incumbent Dan Sullivan despite ranked-choice rules. Elsewhere, Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms became the first Black woman elected governor, as Democrats won both congressional chambers.