Breaking Barriers: The Ascent of Native Representation in Government

As the country anxiously awaits the results of the 2024 General Election, NPR has released a story examining the increase in Native Americans running for office. This analysis takes a closer look at Native representation, setting the context for our newsletter where we explore the implications of this trend for politics and governance across the United States.

The first Native American elected to Congress was Charles Curtis, who served as a Representative from Kansas starting in 1893. He later became a U.S. Senator and eventually served as the first Native American Vice President of the United States under Herbert Hoover from 1929 to 1933. Curtis was of Kaw, Osage, Potawatomi, and European descent.? He is also the most recent officer of the executive branch to have been born in a territory, rather than a state or federal district.

Since Charles Curtis, several Native Americans have been elected to Congress. Here are some notable figures:

1. Ben Reifel (Republican) - South Dakota: Served from 1961 to 1971.
2. Ben Nighthorse Campbell (Democrat turned Republican) - Colorado: Served as a U.S. Representative from 1987 to 1993, and as a U.S. Senator from 1993 to 2005.
3. Tom Cole (Republican) - Oklahoma: Elected in 2002, Cole is currently the longest serving Native American as a U.S. Representative.
4. Markwayne Mullin (Republican) - Oklahoma: Served as a U.S. Representative from 2013 to 2022.
5. Sharice Davids (Democrat) - Kansas: Elected in 2018, Davids is currently serving as a U.S. Representative.
6. Deb Haaland (Democrat) - New Mexico: Served as a U.S. Representative from 2019 to 2021, before being appointed as the U.S. Secretary of the Interior.
7. Yvette Herrell (Republican) - New Mexico: Served as a U.S. Representative from 2021 to 2023.

Today, the political landscape is changing, and effective representation is more important than ever in our lives.? The recent increase in Native American candidates’ political engagement marks a profound evolution in the political landscape of the United States. This trend is characterized by an unprecedented number of Indigenous candidates appearing on ballots, with 170 Native American, Native Hawaiian, and Native Alaskan individuals running for various offices in 25 states during the most recent election cycle. This record-setting involvement is not just about numbers; it reflects the broader aspirations of Native communities to influence policy at local, state, and national levels.

Historical Context:?Historically, Native Americans were granted U.S. citizenship and the right to vote in all states by the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924. Despite this right, many states enacted laws and policies that effectively disenfranchised Native American voters for decades. It wasn’t until the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and subsequent amendments that more robust protections were enforced to support Native voting rights.

Challenges in Voting:?Today, Native voters face unique challenges such as remote polling locations, voter ID laws that do not always accept tribal IDs, language barriers, and lack of access to early voting. These obstacles continue to impact voter turnout and participation within Native communities.? Professor Jean Schroedel of Claremont Graduate University has taken the lead in this area and continues to study challenges Native Americans face in voting across the country.

The Native American vote is increasingly influential in determining the outcomes of elections across the United States. As voter turnout grows within Native communities, their collective voice can swing results, especially in regions where the population is significant. This rising electoral power emphasizes the importance of addressing the unique voting challenges faced by Native Americans, ensuring their representation is felt not just in candidate numbers but in genuine policy impact. This shift highlights a transformative phase in American democracy, where the priorities and concerns of Native communities are gaining recognition and driving change at local and national levels.

Emerging Native Leaders and Their Challenges:?It's important to recognize other Indigenous candidates whose campaigns are shaping the political narrative. These candidates have faced numerous challenges while striving to represent their communities:

1. Lourdes Pereira?and?Matthew Holgate?in Arizona work to mobilize young Native voters, tackling voter apathy and engagement challenges.
2. Shelbylyn Henry?and?Xavier Medina?focus on bridging urban and reservation communities, raising awareness of urban Native issues.
3. Nalani Lopez, at 19, faces hurdles such as credibility and financial support due to her youth.
4. Little Buck Harjo?in Nevada actively participates in initiatives like "Nevada Votes Early," addressing logistical challenges for Native voters in remote areas.
5. Ken Luttrell?in Oklahoma enhances tribal sovereignty and economic development, educating other legislators on Native issues.

In California, Assemblyman James Ramos, the first Native American elected to the state legislature, has exemplified the potential of Native leadership. Ramos has been instrumental in passing legislation that addresses mental health, public safety, and educational needs, impacting millions of lives across the state.

National Representation:?At the national level, Native American members of Congress like Tom Cole have been vital in pushing forward discussions and legislation on key issues such as tribal sovereignty, economic development, and environmental protection. Their roles underscore the importance of Native representation in crafting policies that consider the unique perspectives and rights of Indigenous peoples.

Conclusion:?It is our inherent right to self-govern—a principle many have valiantly defended to preserve the freedoms we cherish in our country. For Native Americans, these freedoms are deeply tied to self-reliance and sovereignty, allowing tribal governments to shape their destinies through enduring partnerships as enshrined in the Constitution with the federal government. Active participation in the political system is crucial to uphold these principles. It ensures democracy's vitality and opens continued avenues for Native Americans to seek public office, a commitment we all share to strengthen our great nation.

For true representation, there is still a significant journey ahead. Currently, about 350 Native Americans hold elected offices across the U.S., which is less than 0.1% of the approximately 520,000 total elected positions nationwide. To achieve proportional representation, reflecting about 3% of the U.S. population, it is estimated by Advance Native Political Leadership that 17,000 Native American officials would need to be elected.

The increasing involvement of Native Americans in politics creates the opportunity to reshape U.S. governance, contributing diverse perspectives to policy discussions and decision-making processes, thereby enhancing the functionality and responsiveness of government systems. This shift is vital for reflecting a full spectrum of American experiences in policy development.

Please share your thoughts.? I look forward to hearing from you.

Be well,

Rod

The Native American Dream