- Details
- By Levi Rickert
Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, the highest-ranking Native American woman in state government and a citizen of the White Earth Nation, announced on Thursday her intention to run for the U.S. Senate seat in 2026. Flanagan's intentions followed Minnesota Senator Tina Smith's announcement earlier earlier in the day that she will not seek reelection next year.
“My intention is to run for Senate and continue to serve the people of Minnesota. I’ll make a formal announcement later this month. In the meantime,” Flanagan said ina statement. I’m talking with the community and my family and friends. I will have more to say soon.”
“Senator Smith is also an organizer at heart. She knows we all do better when everyone has a seat at the table. Thank you, Tina, for your leadership. I look forward to continuing our work together for Minnesotans,” Flanagan continued.
Smith, a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, spoke at the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) Executive Winter Session on Tuesday morning. Flanagan also attended the session that same day.
During her address, Smith noted that Flanagan had visited her at her Washington apartment on Monday evening.
There were rumors that Flanagan might run for governor of Minnesota next year. However, she told Native News Online that Governor Tim Walz had not yet decided whether he would seek reelection.
Flanagan said Smith paved the way for so many women throughout her career.
“She uses her voice to fiercely defend the people of Minnesota. She’s fought for small businesses, farmers, and those who’ve been overlooked so they can have a fair shot at economic success,” Flanagan said.
More Stories Like This
Native News Weekly (August 25, 2024): D.C. BriefsUS Presidents in Their Own Words Concerning American Indians
Navajo Mother Welcomes Federal Charges in 2020 Killing of Her Son
Native News Online Launches Year-End Campaign to Support ‘Warrior Journalism’
Native News Online’s Year-End Live Stream - Recap of 2025: A Night That Brings Indian Country Together
Help us defend tribal sovereignty.
At Native News Online, our mission is rooted in telling the stories that strengthen sovereignty and uplift Indigenous voices — not just at year’s end, but every single day.
Because of your generosity last year, we were able to keep our reporters on the ground in tribal communities, at national gatherings and in the halls of Congress — covering the issues that matter most to Indian Country: sovereignty, culture, education, health and economic opportunity.
That support sustained us through a tough year in 2025. Now, as we look to the year ahead, we need your help right now to ensure warrior journalism remains strong — reporting that defends tribal sovereignty, amplifies Native truth, and holds power accountable.
The stakes couldn't be higher. Your support keeps Native voices heard, Native stories told and Native sovereignty defended.
Stand with Warrior Journalism today.
Levi Rickert (Potawatomi), Editor & Publisher
