- 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
Native News Weekly (August 4, 2024): D.C. Briefs
Seattle Seahawks Tackle Preservation Projects at Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center for Annual Day of Service
Native News Weekly (June 15, 2025): D.C. Briefs
Help us tell the stories that could save Native languages and food traditions
At a critical moment for Indian Country, Native News Online is embarking on our most ambitious reporting project yet: "Cultivating Culture," a three-year investigation into two forces shaping Native community survival—food sovereignty and language revitalization.
The devastating impact of COVID-19 accelerated the loss of Native elders and with them, irreplaceable cultural knowledge. Yet across tribal communities, innovative leaders are fighting back, reclaiming traditional food systems and breathing new life into Native languages. These aren't just cultural preservation efforts—they're powerful pathways to community health, healing, and resilience.
Our dedicated reporting team will spend three years documenting these stories through on-the-ground reporting in 18 tribal communities, producing over 200 in-depth stories, 18 podcast episodes, and multimedia content that amplifies Indigenous voices. We'll show policymakers, funders, and allies how cultural restoration directly impacts physical and mental wellness while celebrating successful models of sovereignty and self-determination.
This isn't corporate media parachuting into Indian Country for a quick story. This is sustained, relationship-based journalism by Native reporters who understand these communities. It's "Warrior Journalism"—fearless reporting that serves the 5.5 million readers who depend on us for news that mainstream media often ignores.
We need your help right now. While we've secured partial funding, we're still $450,000 short of our three-year budget. Our immediate goal is $25,000 this month to keep this critical work moving forward—funding reporter salaries, travel to remote communities, photography, and the deep reporting these stories deserve.
Every dollar directly supports Indigenous journalists telling Indigenous stories. Whether it's $5 or $50, your contribution ensures these vital narratives of resilience, innovation, and hope don't disappear into silence.
The stakes couldn't be higher. Native languages are being lost at an alarming rate. Food insecurity plagues many tribal communities. But solutions are emerging, and these stories need to be told.
Support independent Native journalism. Fund the stories that matter.
Levi Rickert (Potawatomi), Editor & Publisher
