Record 225 Indigenous Candidates Run in 2026
Indigenous candidates for the 2026 general election number 225 across 30 states, a nearly 400 percent increase since 2016.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Native American
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A record 225 Indigenous candidates are running for office in the 2026 general election across 30 states, representing nearly 100 federally or state-recognized nations. The count has risen nearly 400 percent compared to 2016.
Why it matters
The surge reflects growing Indigenous political participation, with more incumbents tracked and more first-time candidates entering races. Outcomes could produce further historic firsts across the country.
The count covers candidates from nearly 100 nations, with 13 running for Congress in nine states. Native women have won at an average rate of 62 percent when they run, compared with Indigenous Americans making up about 3.2 percent of the U.S. population.
The players
Deb Haaland
Deb Haaland is a former U.S. Secretary of the Interior and a member of the Laguna Pueblo who is likely to become New Mexico's governor.
Advance Native Political Leadership
Advance Native Political Leadership is an organization that works to increase Native American representation in elected office and maintains a candidate database used for tracking.
The details
Half of the candidates are running as Democrats, and six identify as Two Spirit or non-binary. Deb Haaland is likely to become the first Native American woman elected governor in the country if she wins in New Mexico.
Timeline
2016 served as the baseline year for the candidate comparison.
2018 saw ICT expand and inherit the candidate database.
Early 2020s saw Native women begin running for office at higher rates.
2022 saw Alicia Kozlowski elected as Minnesota's first non-binary legislator.
The 2026 general election takes place on Tuesday, November 3.
Roadmap
The 2018 midterms saw Deb Haaland and Sharice Davids become the first Native American women elected to Congress, opening a path that the 2026 record now extends. Growing Indigenous candidacies across party lines signal a broadening of Native political participation beyond earlier breakthroughs.
Voters across 30 states will have the opportunity to support Indigenous candidates on their ballots this November. Those interested in following the races can track results as they are reported on election night.
The takeaway
Record Indigenous candidacies show a growing political voice, and readers can follow local races to see who represents their communities. Paying attention to down-ballot contests reveals how representation is changing across the country.
What happens next
The general election takes place on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, when the Indigenous candidates' races will be decided.
Further reading
Explore more on Native American culture and politics as Indigenous candidates seek office nationwide.
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