Native Vote. The Flanagan for Senate campaign announced today that Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan (White Earth Ojibwe) has earned endorsements from a majority of Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) members currently serving in the Minnesota House of Representatives—an unprecedented milestone in a U.S. Senate race. This includes recent endorsements from State Representatives Fue Lee (Minneapolis) and Steve Elkins (Bloomington), bringing her total support to 34 House members and six State Senators.
The announcement comes on the heels of a major national endorsement from U.S. Senator Ed Markey (D-Mass.), a prominent progressive voice in Congress.
“Like me, every one of these legislators heard from Minnesotans that they are sick and tired of just surviving,” Minnesota Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan said. “So we decided to fight back and challenge the status quo–together we’ve accomplished huge wins that will help improve the lives of Minnesotans. But we’re not done. I’m honored that these leaders trust me to carry this fight to Washington and know that I will continue to deliver for Minnesotans in the U.S. Senate.”
Flanagan's endorsements span the entire state, reflecting broad support from rural, suburban, and urban districts alike. Notably, five of her endorsers represent communities in Minnesota’s Second Congressional District—currently represented by her primary opponent, Congresswoman Angie Craig.
In addition to legislative support, Flanagan has earned backing from a wide array of high-profile leaders and organizations. These include:
-
U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.)
-
Former U.S. Senator Al Franken
-
Attorney General Keith Ellison
-
Former U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland
-
State Auditor Julie Blaha
-
Saint Paul Mayor Melvin Carter
-
UFCW Local 663
-
A majority of openly queer members of the Minnesota Legislature
These endorsements further cement Flanagan’s growing momentum as a leading progressive candidate in the race to represent Minnesota in the U.S. Senate.
More Stories Like This
Native News Weekly (August 25, 2024): D.C. BriefsUS Presidents in Their Own Words Concerning American Indians
Oral History Project Announces 14th Stop in Portland, Oregon: NABS Continues to Gather Crucial Stories Across Indian Country
Native News Weekly (October 12, 2025): D.C. Briefs
IAIA Alum and Faculty Mentor Tommy Orange Wins MacArthur Fellowship
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
