According to the Center for American Women and Politics, Indigenous women are the second-most underrepresented group of women in elected political office (after Middle Eastern/North African women). There are only two Indigenous women in Congress, one statewide elected official, and 36 state legislators. 

That’s why for Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we’re rolling out a new slate featuring eight Native women who need your fundraising support now.

Leading the slate is Minnesota’s Lieutenant Gov. Peggy Flanagan, a member of the White Earth Band of the Minnesota Chippewa (Ojibwe). If Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is elected vice president, she will become the governor. Donations through WomenCount will go to Minnesota’s state Democratic party to help the Lieutenant Governor and her political program this fall and support her work with the rest of Minnesota’s Democratic ticket.

Next on the slate are Alaska US Rep. Mary Peltola (Yup’ik) and state Rep. Maxine Dibert(Koyukon Athabascan), both of whom are running in toss-up races that could determine whether Democrats can win control of either body. Among the 50 states, Alaska has the highest population of Indigenous residents—15 percent—but Maxine is the only Alaska Native in the state’s legislature. 

New Mexico has the second-highest Indigenous population, at 11 percent. Gabby Begay(Navajo), a teacher, is looking to beat an incumbent Republican who voted to criminalize abortion. Incumbent state Rep. Charlotte Little (Pueblo) is facing a Republican challenger. Both races lean D. 

Rounding out the slate are state Rep. Shea Backus (Cherokee) of Nevada, who is facing a Republican challenger backed by the state’s governor; Oregon state Rep. Annessa Hartman(Haudenosaunee); and Washington human rights organizer Chelsea Dimas (Nahua and Purépecha). Shea’s race is a toss-up and both Pacific Northwest races lean D. 

Please celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day with us by giving $5 now to each of these women.