Native women claim top government posts as Democrats retake Congress

The 2026 midterm cycle produced a distinct shift in who holds power in American government. Native American women secured unprecedented leadership positions at the tribal, state, and federal levels. At the same time, Democrats captured majorities in both chambers of Congress. These results signal a change in the balance of power between the legislative and executive branches for the next two years.

In the Navajo Nation, Crystalyne Curley won the presidency, becoming the first woman to lead the tribe. She defeated attorney Justin Jones in a close race. The Navajo government has been led by men since its formation more than a century ago. Curley, who previously served as the first female speaker of the tribal council, said she faced sexist rhetoric during her campaign. She and her running mate, Chris Deschene, plan to move the tribal economy away from coal development. They also intend to reassert the nation's role in federal policy discussions. Supporter Lene Bitsui said she initially doubted the community was ready for a female president but was happy to be wrong.

Other historic firsts occurred in state and federal offices. Deb Haaland was elected governor of New Mexico, making her the first female Native governor of a U.S. state. A Laguna Pueblo citizen, Haaland previously led the U.S. Department of the Interior. She pledged to lower the cost of living and improve education outcomes. In Minnesota, Peggy Flanagan won a seat in the U.S. Senate. A member of the White Earth Nation, Flanagan became the first Native American woman to serve in the chamber. She credited Native women for her victory, stating she could not have run without their support.

The House of Representatives gained its first members from New York and Michigan with Native American backgrounds. Claire Valdez won a seat in New York, and Sean McCann won one in Michigan. Mary Peltola’s victory in Alaska will mean three Native people serve in the Senate simultaneously. Jordan James Harvill, a strategist for Advance Native Political Leadership, described the results as the fruit of decades of organizing.

Democrats secured control of both the House and the Senate. This gives them the numbers to launch investigations into the executive branch. President Donald Trump called these requests "extortion at the highest level" on social media. Attorney General Todd Blanche said criminal investigations of Democrats are possible. Democratic House leader Hakeem Jeffries, who will become the first Black House speaker, said the days of not fighting back are over. He supported an impeachment resolution for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, saying "Hegseth has got to go." Hegseth dismissed the effort as personal destruction.

Rep. Robert Garcia, who is expected to chair the House Oversight Committee, is preparing probes into what he calls the "Trump crime family." He said Democrats will not be intimidated. Sen.-elect Adam Hamilton, the first Democrat from Kansas in 94 years, expressed skepticism about impeachment. He wants to set up guardrails rather than divide the country. In Ohio, Democrat Amy Acton won the governorship by eight points. Her victory came despite a campaign ad by opponent Vivek Ramaswamy that referenced her childhood sexual abuse. The AP Voter Poll showed that about 70% of voters believe Congress is not doing enough to check the presidency.