Jump to navigationJump to search
This is a list of Native American politicians in the United States. These are Native Americans who served in the federal, state, or municipal governments.
Native American identity is a complex and contested issue. The Bureau of Indian Affairs defines Native American as having American Indian or Alaska Native ancestry. Legally, being Native American is defined as being enrolled in a federally recognized tribe or Alaskan village. These entities establish their own membership rules, and they vary. Each must be understood independently. Ethnologically, factors such as culture, history, language, religion, and familial kinships can influence Native American identity.[1]
All individuals on this list should have Native American ancestry. Historical figures might predate tribal enrollment practices and may be included based on reliable sources that document ethnological tribal membership. Any contemporary individuals should either be enrolled members of federally recognized tribes, or have cited Native American ancestry and be recognized as Native American by their respective tribes(s). Contemporary individuals who are not enrolled in a tribe but are documented as having tribal descent are listed as being "of descent" from a tribe.
For tribal leaders, please go to that tribe's article.
Federal offices[edit]
Executive branch[edit]
| Name | Image | Life | Ethnicity or tribe | Party | Offices held |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| David W. Anderson | Choctaw/Ojibwe | Republican | 9th Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs, 2004–2005 | ||
| Carl J. Artman | 1965– | Iroquois (Oneida) | Republican | 10th Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs, 2007–2008 | |
| Charles Curtis | 1860–1936 | Kaw/Osage/Potawatomi | Republican | U.S. Vice President, 1929–1933 | |
| Ada Deer | 1935– | Menominee | Democratic | 6th Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs, 1993–1997 | |
| Deb Haaland | 1960– | Laguna Pueblo | Democratic | 54th United States Secretary of the Interior | |
| Larry Echo Hawk | 1948– | Pawnee Nation | Democratic | 11th Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs, 2009–2012 | |
| Keith Harper | 1965– | Cherokee Nation | Democratic | U.S. representative to the United Nations Human Rights Council, 2014–2017 | |
| Philip N. Hogen | Oglala Lakota Sioux | Republican | United States Attorney for the District of South Dakota, 1981–1991 Commissioner of the National Indian Gaming Commission, 2002–2009 | ||
| Jeannie Hovland | Santee Dakota Sioux | Republican | Commissioner of the Administration for Native Americans and Deputy Assistant Secretary for Native American Affairs, Associate Commissioner of the National Indian Gaming Commission | ||
| Jack Jackson, Jr. | Navajo Nation | Democratic | Liaison to Secretary John Kerry, US Department of State[2] | ||
| Neal McCaleb | 1935 | Chickasaw Nation | Republican | 8th Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs, 2001–2003 | |
| Arvo Mikkanen | 1961– | Kiowa Nation | Democratic | US Assistant Attorney for United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma since 1994.[3] Later unsuccessful US District Judge nomination[4] | |
| Ely Parker | 1828–1895 | Tonawanda Seneca | Independent | Commissioner of Indian Affairs in the Grant administration | |
| Ben Reifel | 1906–1990 | Lakota Rosebud Sioux | Republican | Chair of the National Capital Planning Commission, Interim Commissioner of Indian Affairs | |
| R. Trent Shores | Choctaw Nation | Republican | United States Attorney for the Northern District of Oklahoma, 2017–2021. | ||
| Tara Sweeney | Arctic Slope Iñupiat | Republican | 13th Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs, 2018–2021 | ||
| Ross Swimmer | 1943– | Cherokee Nation | Republican | 4th Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs, 1985–1989 Special Trustee for American Indians at the U.S. Department of the Interior | |
| Kimberly Teehee | 1966– | Cherokee Nation | Democratic | White House Senior Policy Advisor for Native American Affairs, 2009–2012 | |
| Wilma Victor | 1919–1987 | Choctaw Nation | Republican | Special assistant to Secretary of the Interior Rogers Morton, 1971–1975 | |
| Kevin K. Washburn | 1967– | Chickasaw Nation | Democratic | 12th Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs, 2012–2016 |
Legislative branch[edit]
| Name | Image | Life | Ethnicity or tribe | Party | Offices held |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ben Nighthorse Campbell | 1933– | Northern Cheyenne | Democratic | U.S. Representative from Colorado (1987–1993), U.S. Senator from Colorado (1993–2005) | |
| Republican | |||||
| Brad Carson | 1967– | Cherokee Nation | Democratic | U.S. Representative from Oklahoma, 2001–2005 | |
| Charles David Carter | 1868–1929 | Chickasaw Nation | Democratic | U.S. Representative from Oklahoma, 1907–27 (4th District 1907–15, 3rd District 1915–27) | |
| Tom Cole | 1949– | Chickasaw Nation | Republican | U.S. Representative from Oklahoma, 2003–present (4th District) | |
| Charles Curtis | 1860–1936 | Kaw/Osage/Potawatomi | Republican | U.S. Representative from Kansas, 1893–1907 (4th District 1893–99, 1st District 1899–1907), US Senator from Kansas 1907–13, 1915–29, first Native American elected to the Senate. | |
| Sharice Davids | 1980– | Ho–Chunk | Democratic | U.S. Representative from Kansas 3rd District, 2019–Present | |
| Deb Haaland | 1960– | Laguna Pueblo | Democratic | U.S. Representative from New Mexico 1st District, 2019–2021 | |
| William Wirt Hastings | 1866–1938 | Cherokee Nation | Democratic | U.S. Representative from Oklahoma 2nd District, 1915–21, 1923–35 | |
| Yvette Herrell | 1964– | Cherokee Nation | Republican | U.S. Representative from New Mexico, 2021–present (2nd District) | |
| Markwayne Mullin | 1977– | Cherokee Nation | Republican | U.S. Representative from Oklahoma, 2013–present (2nd District) | |
| Robert Latham Owen | 1856–1947 | Cherokee Nation | Democratic | U.S. Senator from Oklahoma, 1907–25; candidate for Democratic Party nomination for president, 1920 | |
| Benjamin Reifel | 1906–1990 | Lakota Rosebud Sioux | Republican | U.S. Representative from South Dakota 1st District, 1961–71. | |
| Hiram Revels | 1827–1901 | Lumbee | Republican | U.S. Senator from Mississippi, 1870–71; first Native American to serve in the Senate. | |
| Will Rogers, Jr. | 1911–1993 | Cherokee Nation | Democratic | US Representative from California, 1943–44 | |
| William Grady Stigler | 1891–1952 | Choctaw Nation | Democratic | member of Oklahoma state senate, 1924–32; U.S. Representative from Oklahoma 2nd District, 1944–52. | |
| Kimberly Teehee | 1966– | Cherokee Nation | Democratic | Delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives from the Cherokee Nation's at–large congressional district, 2019 – present (appointed by chief, yet to be seated) |
Judicial branch[edit]
| Name | Image | Life | Ethnicity or tribe | Party | Offices held |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michael Burrage | 1950– | Choctaw Nation | Democratic | Became US District Judge for the Eastern, Northern, and Western districts of Oklahoma in 1994.[5] Became the Chief Judge of the Eastern District of Oklahoma in 1996, serving until his resignation from the court in 2001.[6] | |
| Diane J. Humetewa | 1964– | Hopi | Republican | US Judge for the District of Arizona [7] | |
| Ada E. Brown | 1974– | Choctaw Nation | Republican | Federal Judge in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas. [8] |
State offices[edit]
Alaska[edit]
| Name | Image | Life | Ethnicity or tribe | Party | Offices held |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albert P. Adams | 1942–2012 | Inupiaq | Democratic | State representative 1981–1989, state senator 1989–2001 | |
| Billy Akers | 1947– | [?] | Republican | State representative 1977–1979 | |
| Charles G. Anderson | 1929– | Aleut | Republican | State representative 1981–1983 | |
| Nels A. Anderson, Jr. | 1939– | Yup’ik | Democratic | State representative 1975–1981, state senator 1982–1983 | |
| Bill Beltz | 1912–1960 | Inupiaq | Democratic | Territorial representative 1949–1951, territorial senator 1951–1959, state senator and president of the state senate 1959–1960 | |
| Ray Christiansen | 1922–1998 | Yup’ik | Democratic | State representative 1961–1967, state senator 1967–1973 | |
| Joseph Chuckwuk | 1948– | Yup’ik | Democratic | State representative 1981–1983 | |
| John E. Curtis | [?] | Inupiaq | Republican | State representative 1959–1961 | |
| Larry T. Davis | 1930–2006 | Inupiaq | Democratic | State representative 1975–1977 | |
| Chuck Degnan | 1941– | Inupiaq | Democratic | State representative 1971–1975 | |
| Frank Degnan | 1901–1980 | [?] | Democratic | Territorial representative 1951–1953 | |
| Bryce Edgmon | 1961– | Yup'ik | Democratic | State representative 2007–present, speaker of the state house 2017–2021 | |
| Charles Fagerstrom | 1905–1962 | Inupiaq | Democratic | Territorial representative 1953–1957, state representative 1959–1961 | |
| Frank R. Ferguson | 1939–2003 | Inupiaq | Democratic | State representative 1971–1975, state senator 1975–1986 | |
| Independent | |||||
| Neal Foster | 1972– | Inupiaq | Democratic | State representative 2009–present | |
| Richard Foster | 1946–2009 | Inupiaq | Democratic | State representative 1989–2009 | |
| Charles Franz | c. 1910–1996 | [?] | Democratic | State representative 1959–1961 | |
| Phillip Guy | 1941–2011 | Yup’ik | Democratic | State representative 1973–1981 | |
| Willie Hensley | 1941– | Inupiaq | Democratic | State representative 1967–1971, state senator 1971–1975 and 1987–1989 | |
| Adelheid Herrmann | 1953– | Yup’ik | Democratic | State representative 1983–1989 | |
| Jimmy Hoffman | c. 1928–[?] | Yup’ik | Republican | State representative 1959–1961 | |
| Lyman Hoffman | 1950– | Yup’ik | Democratic | State representative 1987–1991 and 1993–1995, state senator 1991–1993 and 1995–present | |
| Andrew Hope | 1896–1968 | Tlingit | Democratic | Territorial representative 1945–1953 and 1957–1959, state representative 1959–1963 | |
| Eben Hopson | 1922–1980 | Inupiaq | Democratic | Territorial representative 1957–1959, state senator 1959–1967 | |
| Jimmy Huntington | 1916–1987 | Koyukon | Independent | State representative 1975–1977 | |
| Percy Ipalook | 1906–1990 | Inupiaq | Republican | Territorial representative 1949–1951, territorial senator 1951–1955 | |
| Brenda Itta | 1943– | Inupiaq | Democratic | State representative 1975–1977 | |
| Ivan M. Ivan | 1945– | Yup’ik | Democratic | State representative 1991–1993 and 1995–1999 | |
| George Jacko | 1959– | Aleut | Democratic | State representative 1989–1993, state senator 1993–1995 | |
| Dena'ina | |||||
| Yup’ik | |||||
| Arthur D. Johnson | 1920–1961 | [?] | Republican | State representative 1961 | |
| Axel C. Johnson | 1911–1985 | Yup’ik | Democratic | State representative 1959–1961 and 1963–1967 | |
| Frank G. Johnson | 1894–1982 | Tlingit | Republican | Territorial representative 1947–1955 and 1957–1959 | |
| Frank L. Johnson | c. 1904–[?] | Inupiaq | Republican | Territorial representative 1949–1951 | |
| Grace A. Johnson | 1924–2004 | Inupiaq | Republican | State representative 1962–1963 | |
| Reggie Joule | 1952– | Inupiaq | Democratic | State representative 1997–2012 | |
| Sam Kito III | 1964– | Tlingit | Democratic | State representative 2014–2019 | |
| Albert Kookesh | 1948– | Tlingit | Democratic | State representative 1997–2005, state senator 2005–2013 | |
| Jacob Laktonen | 1917–1996 | [?] | Republican | State representative 1973–1975 | |
| Loren Leman | 1950– | Alutiiq | Republican | State representative 1989–1993, state senator 1993–2002, lieutenant governor 2002–2006 | |
| Georgianna Lincoln | 1943– | Gwich'in | Democratic | State representative 1991–1993, state senator 1993–2005 | |
| Don Long | c. 1945– | Inupiaq | Democratic | State representative 1996–1997 | |
| Jerry Mackie | 1962– | Haida | Democratic | State representative 1991–1997, state senator 1997–2001 | |
| Republican | |||||
| Eileen MacLean | 1949–1996 | Inupiaq | Democratic | State representative 1989–1995 | |
| Byron Mallott | 1943–2020 | Tlingit | Democratic | Commissioner of community and regional affairs 1972–1974, lieutenant governor 2014–2018 | |
| Independent | |||||
| Beverly Masek | 1963– | Deg Hit'an | Republican | State representative 1995–2005 | |
| Charisse Millett | 1964– | Inupiaq | Republican | State representative 2009–2019 | |
| Martin B. Moore | [?]– | Yup’ik | Democratic | State representative 1971–1973 | |
| Carl M. Morgan | 1950– | Yup’ik | Republican | State representative 1999–2005 | |
| Carl E. Moses | 1929–2014 | Aleut | Alaskan Independence | State representative 1965–1973 and 1993–2007 | |
| Democratic | |||||
| Republican | |||||
| Benjamin Nageak | 1950– | Inupiaq | Democratic | State representative 2013–2017 | |
| Alfred Nakak | 1947–2000 | Inupiaq | Democratic | State representative 1977–1979 | |
| Ed Naughton | 1930–2002 | [?] | Democratic | State representative 1971–1977 | |
| Irene Nicholia | 1956– | Koyukon | Democratic | State representative 1993–1999 | |
| John Nusunginya | 1927–1981 | Inupiaq | Democratic | State representative 1959–1963 | |
| Donny Olson | 1953– | Inupiaq | Democratic | State senator 2001–present | |
| Alvin Osterback | 1915–2005 | [?] | Democratic | State representative 1975–1981 | |
| Justin Parish | 1980– | Tinglit | Democratic | State representative 2017–2019 | |
| Josiah Patkotak | c. 1994– | Inupiaq[9] | Independent | State representative (2020-present) | |
| Moses Paukan | 1933–2017 | Yup’ik | Democratic | State representative 1968–1971 | |
| William Paul | 1885–1977 | Tlingit | Republican | Territorial representative 1925–1929 | |
| Frank Peratrovich | 1895–1984 | Tlingit | Democratic | Territorial representative 1945–1947, territorial senator 1947–1951 and 1957–1959, delegate and first vice president of constitutional convention 1955–1956, state senator 1959–1967, president of the state senate 1961–1965, state representative 1969–1973 | |
| Larry Peterson | 1939– | Gwich'in | Democratic | State representative 1973–1975 | |
| John Sackett | 1944– | Koyukon | Republican | State representative 1967–1971, state senator 1973–1987 | |
| Woodie Salmon | 1952– | Gwich'in | Democratic | State representative 2005–2011 | |
| Mary Sattler | 1973– | Yup’ik | Democratic | State representative 1999–2009 | |
| Leo Schaeffer | 1947– | Inupiaq | Democratic | State representative 1977–1981 | |
| Frank See | 1915–1998 | Tlingit | Democratic | State representative 1965–1969 | |
| Martin Seversen | 1925–1979 | [?] | [?] | State representative 1977 | |
| Jake Stalker | 1917–c. 2008 | Inupiaq | Democratic | State representative 1961–1967 | |
| Bill Thomas | 1947– | Tlingit | Republican | State representative 2005–2013 | |
| Tony Vaska | 1948– | Yup’ik | Democratic | State representative 1981–1985 | |
| Kay Wallis | 1944– | Gwich'in | Democratic | State representative 1985–1991 | |
| Tim Wallis | 1940– | Gwich'in | Democratic | State representative 1975–1977 | |
| Jerry Ward | 1948– | [?] | Republican | State representative 1983–1985, state senator 1997–2003 | |
| James K. Wells | 1906–1979 | Inupiaq | Democratic | Territorial representative 1951–1953 | |
| John Westdahl | 1918–1968 | Yup’ik | Democratic | State representative 1967–1968 | |
| Dean Westlake | 1960– | Inupiaq | Democratic | State representative 2017 | |
| Alfred Widmark | 1904–1989 | Tlingit | Republican | State representative 1961–1963 | |
| Bill K. Williams | 1943–2019 | Tlingit | Democratic | State representative 1993–2005 | |
| Republican | |||||
| Jules W. Wright | 1933– | Gwich'in | Republican | State representative 1967–1969 | |
| Fred Zharoff | 1944–2001 | Alutiiq | Democratic | State representative 1979–1985, state senator 1985–1997 | |
| Tiffany Zulkosky | 1984– | Yup’ik | Democratic | State representative 2018–present |
Arizona[edit]
| Name | Image | Life | Ethnicity or tribe | Party | Offices held |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carlyle Begay | [?] | Navajo | Democratic | State senator 2013–2017 | |
| Republican | |||||
| Jennifer D. Benally | [?] | Navajo[10] | Democratic | State representative 2015–2017 | |
| Wenona Benally | Navajo | Democratic | State representative 2017-2019 | ||
| Domingo DeGrazia | Cherokee | Democratic | State representative 2019-present[11] | ||
| Eric Descheenie | Navajo | Democratic | State representative 2017–2019 | ||
| Sally Ann Gonzales | 1957– | Pascua Yaqui | Democratic | State representative 1997–2001 and 2011–2019 | |
| Albert Hale | 1950–2021 | Navajo | Democratic | State senator 2004–2011; State representative 2011–2021 | |
| Jack Jackson, Jr. | Navajo | Democratic | State Senator for AZ District 2, 2011–2013, State representative 2003–2005 | ||
| Jennifer Jermaine | White Earth Ojibwe | Democratic | State representative for the 18th district (2019-present)[11] | ||
| Myron Lizer | Navajo / Comanche | Republican | 10th Vice President of the Navajo Nation | ||
| Jonathan Nez | 1975– | Navajo | Democratic | 9th President of the Navajo Nation | |
| Victoria Steele | [?] | Seneca | Democratic | State representative 2013–2016, State senator 2019–present | |
| Arlando Teller | Navajo | Democratic | State representative 2019–present[11] | ||
| Myron Tsosie | Navajo | Democratic | State representative 2019–present[11] | ||
| Jamescita Peshlakai | Navajo | Democratic | State representative, District 7 (2013-2015) State senator (2017-present)[12] | ||
| Peterson Zah | c. 1937– | Navajo | Democratic | Special Adviser to ASU President on American Indian Affairs |
California[edit]
| Name | Image | Life | Ethnicity or tribe | Party | Offices held |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Todd Gloria | 1978– | Tlingit–Haida | Democratic | San Diego City Council (2008–2016), State assemblyman (2017–2020), San Diego Mayor (2020–) | |
| James C. Ramos | 1967– | Serrano / Cahuilla | Democratic | San Bernardino Community College Board of Trustees (2005–12), San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors (2012–2018), California State Assemblymember (2018–present) |
Colorado[edit]
| Name | Image | Life | Ethnicity or tribe | Party | Offices held |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ben Nighthorse Campbell | 1933– | Northern Cheyenne | Democratic | U.S. Representative from Colorado (1987–1993), U.S. Senator from Colorado (1993–2005) | |
| Republican |
Idaho[edit]
| Name | Image | Life | Ethnicity or tribe | Party | Offices held |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jeanne Givens | 1951/52– | Coeur d'Alene | |||
| Larry Echo Hawk | 1948 | Pawnee Nation | Democratic | Attorney General of Idaho (1991–1995) and former United States Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs (2009–2012) | |
| Paulette Jordan | c. 1980– | Coeur d'Alene | Democratic | State representative (2014–2018) Democratic nominee for Governor in 2018 Democratic nominee for Senate in 2020 |
1952–2019
Illinois[edit]
| Name | Image | Life | Ethnicity or tribe | Party | Offices held |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Donne E. Trotter | 1950– | Choctaw[13] | Democratic | State senator (1993–2018); State representative (1988–1993) |
Kansas[edit]
| Name | Image | Life | Ethnicity or tribe | Party | Offices held |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ponka–We Victors | 1981– | Ponca–Tohono O'odham | Democratic | State representative, District 103 (2011–)[14] | |
| Stephanie Byers | 1963- | Chickasaw | Democratic | State representative, District 86 (2021-)[15] | |
| Christina Haswood | 1994- | Navajo | Democratic | State representative, District 10 (2021-)[16] |
Kentucky[edit]
| Name | Image | Life | Ethnicity or tribe | Party | Offices held |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reginald Meeks | 1954– | Democratic | State representative (2000–) |
Maine[edit]
| Name | Image | Life | Ethnicity or tribe | Party | Offices held |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matthew Dana II | Passamaquoddy | State representative (non–voting) | |||
| Wayne Mitchell | 1952–2019 | Penobscot | State representative (non–voting) | ||
| Rena Newell | Passamaquoddy | Independent | State representative (non-voting) | ||
| Madonna Soctomah | Passamaquoddy | State representative (non-voting) | |||
| Henry John Bear | Maliseet | Green | State representative (non–voting) |
Minnesota[edit]
| Name | Image | Life | Ethnicity or tribe | Party | Offices held |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Susan Allen | 1963– | Rosebud Lakota | Democratic | State representative (2012–2019) | |
| Jamie Becker–Finn | Ojibwe | Democratic | State representative (2017–) | ||
| Peggy Flanagan | 1979– | White Earth Band of Ojibwe | Democratic | Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota (2019–present) State representative (2015–2019) | |
| Harold "Skip" Finn | 1948-2018 | Ojibwe | Democratic | State senator (1991-1996) | |
| Steve Green | 1960– | White Earth Band of Ojibwe | Republican | State representative (2013–) | |
| Mary Kelly Kunesh–Podein | 1960– | Standing Rock Lakota | Democratic | State representative (2017–2021) State senator (2021–) |
Mississippi[edit]
| Name | Image | Life | Ethnicity or tribe | Party | Offices held |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greenwood Leflore | 1800–1865 | Mississippi Choctaw | State senator (1841–1844) |
Montana[edit]
| Name | Image | Life | Ethnicity or tribe | Party | Offices held |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jade Bahr | 1988– | Northern Cheyenne[17] | Democratic | Representative for Montana house district 50 (2019-2021) | |
| Barbara Bessette[18] | Chippewa Cree[17] | Democratic | Representative for Montana house district 24 (2018-present) | ||
| Denise Juneau | 1967– | Mandan and Hidatsaa | Democratic | Superintendent of Public Instruction (2009–2017) | |
| Carolyn Pease–Lopez | Crow | Democratic | State representative (2008–2016) | ||
| George Kipp III | Blackfeet Nation | Democratic | State representative (2015–2019) | ||
| G. Bruce Meyers | 1948– | Chippewa–Cree | Republican | State representative (2015–2017) | |
| Shane Morigeau | 1984– | Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Nation | Democratic | State representative (2017–2021) State senator (2021–) | |
| Alvin Not Afraid Jr. | Crow | Republican | Chairman of the Crow Nation (2016–present)[19] | ||
| Rae Peppers | Northern Cheyenne Tribe | Democratic | State representative (2013–) | ||
| Frosty Boss Ribs | 1955– | Blackfeet Nation | Democratic | State Representative (2009–2011, 2013–2015) | |
| Tyson Runningwolf | Blackfeet Nation | Democratic | Representative for Montana house district 16 (2019-present) | ||
| Jason Small | Northern Cheyenne | Republican | State senator (2017–) | ||
| Frank Smith | Assiniboine | Democratic | State representative (1998–2004); State senator (2004–) | ||
| Sharon Stewart–Peregoy | 1953– | Crow | Democratic | State senator (2009–2017) State representative (2017–) | |
| Lea Whitford | Blackfeet Nation | Democratic | State senator (2015–) | ||
| Marvin Weatherwax Jr. | Blackfeet Nation[20] | Democratic | Representative for Montana house district 15 (2019-present) | ||
| Susan Webber | Blackfeet Nation | Democratic | State representative (2015–) | ||
| Jonathan Windy Boy | Chippewa–Cree | Democratic | State representative (2002–2008); State senator (2008–) |
New Mexico[edit]
| Name | Image | Life | Ethnicity or tribe | Party | Offices held |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ray Begaye | 1954– | Navajo | Democratic | State representative, District 4[21] (1999–2013) | |
| Patricia Roybal Caballero | Piro-Manso-Tiwa[22] | Democratic | State representative (2013–) | ||
| Sharon Clahchischilliage | Navajo | Republican | State representative, District 4, 2013–2018[23] | ||
| Yvette Herrell | 1964– | Cherokee | Republican | State representative, District 51, 2011–2019. United States House of Representatives, (2021-) | |
| Jack Jackson Sr. | 1933– | Navajo | Democratic | State representative[24] | |
| Sandra D. Jeff | 1967/68– | Navajo | Democratic | State representative, District 5[23] | |
| Doreen Wonda Johnson | 1953– | Navajo[25] | Democratic | State representative (2015–) | |
| Derrick Lente | Sandia & Isleta Pueblo | Democratic | State representative, District 26 (2013–) | ||
| Georgene Louis | Acoma Pueblo[26] | Democratic | State representative, District 26 (2013–) | ||
| Lynda Lovejoy | 1949– | Navajo | Democratic | Public Regulation Commissioner[27] | |
| James Madalena | 1948– | Jemez Pueblo[28] | Democratic | State representative (1985–) | |
| John Pinto | 1924–2019 | Navajo | Democratic | State senator, District 3[23] | |
| Nick L. Salazar | 1929–2020 | Tewa (Ohkay Owingeh)[29] | Democratic | State representative, 40th District (1974–) | |
| Benny Shendo | Jemez Pueblo[30] | Democratic | State senator (2013–) |
North Carolina[edit]
| Name | Image | Life | Ethnicity Tribe | Party | Offices held |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charles Graham | 1951– | Lumbee | Democratic | State assembly member | |
| David T. McCoy | 1952– | Turtle Mountain Chippewa | Democratic | state public official, State Controller, State Budget Director, and Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Transportation |
North Dakota[edit]
| Name | Image | Life | Ethnicity or tribe | Party | Offices held |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Richard Marcellais | 1947– | Turtle Mountain Ojibwe | Democratic | State senator | |
| Wayne Trottier | Standing Rock Sioux | Republican | State representative | ||
| Ruth Buffalo | Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation | Democratic | State representative |
Oklahoma[edit]
| Name | Image | Life | Ethnicity or tribe | Party | Offices held |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bill Anoatubby | 1945– | Chickasaw Nation | Democratic | Lieutenant governor in the administration of Chickasaw Governor Overton James (1979–1987) | |
| Steve Burrage | 1952– | Choctaw Nation | Democratic | State Auditor (2008–2011); State Tax Commissioner (2014–present) | |
| Sean Burrage | 1968– | Choctaw Nation | Democratic | Senate Minority leader (2012–2014; State senator (2006–2014); President of Southeastern Oklahoma State University (2014–present) | |
| Lisa Johnson Billy | 1967– | Chickasaw Nation | Republican | State representative, 42nd district (2004–2016)[31] | |
| Brian Bingman | 1953– | Creek | Republican | State senator (2007–2016); State representative (2005–2007) | |
| Doug Cox | 1952– | Muscogee[32] | Republican | State representative (2005–2017) | |
| Brad Carson | 1967– | Cherokee people | Democratic | United States House of Representatives (2001–2005), undersecretary of the Army (2014–15) and General Counsel of the Army (2012–2014) | |
| Tom Cole | 1949– | Chickasaw Nation | Republican | Congressman | |
| Scott Fetgatter | 1968– | Choctaw Nation | Republican | State representative, 16th district | |
| William Fourkiller | 1965– | Cherokee people | Democratic | State representative | |
| Enoch Kelly Haney | 1940– | Seminole Nation | Democratic | State representative, 28th district | |
| Keith Harper | 1940– | Cherokee Nation | Democratic | U.S. representative to the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva | |
| David Holt | 1979– | Osage | Republican | Mayor of Oklahoma City (2018–) State senator (2010–2018) | |
| Chuck Hoskin | 1952– | Cherokee Nation | Democratic | State representative, 6th district (2007–2019) | |
| Shane Jett | 1974– | Cherokee Nation | Republican | State representative (2004–2010); Presidential Appointee Community Development Advisory Board (2017–present) | |
| Fred Jordan | 1974– | Cherokee Nation | Republican | State representative (2007–2015) | |
| Dan Kirby | 1946– | Muscogee[33] | Republican | State representative | |
| Richard Lerblance | Muscogee | Democratic | State senator (2003–2012) | ||
| Ken Lutrell | Cherokee Nation | Democratic | State representative (2007–) | ||
| Al McAffrey | 1948– | Choctaw | Democratic | State representative[31] (2007–2015) | |
| Mark McBride | 1961– | Potawatomi | Republican | State representative | |
| Neal McCaleb | 1935– | Chickasaw | Republican | Oklahoma Secretary of Transportation | |
| Green McCurtain | 1848–1910 | Choctaw | Republican | Vice President of the Sequoyah Constitutional Convention, 1905 | |
| Skye McNiel | 1978– | Muscogee Creek Nation | Republican | State representative, 29th district[31] (2007–2013) | |
| Jerry McPeak | 1946– | Muscogee | Democratic | State representative (2005–2016) | |
| Johnston Murray | 1902–1974 | Descended from Chickasaw Nation Not a registered member | Democratic | Governor (1951–1955) | |
| Anastasia Pittman | 1970– | Seminole | Democratic | State representative (2007–2013), State senator (2014–2018) | |
| Seneca Scott | 1977– | Choctaw[33] | Democratic | State representative | |
| T.W. Shannon | 1978– | Chickasaw Nation | Republican | State representative (2007–2015), Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives (2013–2014) | |
| Jerry Shoemake | 1943– | Cherokee Nation | Democratic | State representative (2005–2016) | |
| John Sparks | Cherokee Nation | Democratic | State senator (2006–2018) | ||
| Kevin Stitt | 1972– | Cherokee Nation | Republican | Governor (2019– ) | |
| Daniel Sullivan | Choctaw | Republican | State representative (2005–) | ||
| Kimberly Teehee | Cherokee Nation | Democratic | White House Senior Policy Advisor for Native American Affairs (2009–2012) | ||
| Paul Wesselhoft | Potawatomi | Republican | State representative (2005–2017) | ||
| Cory Williams | Cherokee people | Democratic | State representative |
Oregon[edit]
| Name | Image | Life | Ethnicity or tribe | Party | Offices held |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jackie Taylor | Potawatomi | Democratic | State representative (1991–2001) | ||
| Tawna Sanchez | Shoshone, Bannock, Ute | Democratic | State representative (2017–) |
Pennsylvania[edit]
| Name | Image | Life | Ethnicity or tribe | Party | Offices held |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barbara Smith | 1950 – | Sac and Fox Nation | Democratic | State representative (2006–2010) |
South Dakota[edit]
| Name | Image | Life | Ethnicity or tribe | Party | Offices held |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shawn Bordeaux | 1967 – | Rosebud Sioux | Democratic | State representative (2015–Present) | |
| Jim Bradford | 1933 – 2020 | Oglala Sioux | Democratic | State senator (2009–2017); State representative (2001–2009) | |
| Ed Iron Cloud III | 1964 – | Oglala Sioux | Democratic | State representative (2009–2012) | |
| Troy Heinert | 1972 – | Rosebud Sioux | Democratic | State representative (2013–2015), State senator (2015–Present) | |
| Philip N. Hogen | Oglala Sioux | Republican | United States Attorney for the District of South Dakota (1981–1991), Commissioner of the National Indian Gaming Commission (2002–2009) | ||
| Tamara St. John | 1966 – | Dakota Sioux | Republican | State representative (2019 – ) | |
| Steve Livermont | 1955 – | Oglala Sioux | Republican | State representative (2017 – 2021) | |
| Kevin Killer | 1979 – | Oglala Sioux | Democratic | State representative (2009–2017), State senator (2017–2019) | |
| Ben Reifel | 1906 – 1990 | Brulé Lakota Rosebud Sioux | Republican | Congressman (elected to the Eighty–seventh Congress and to the four succeeding Congresses; January 3, 1961 – January 3, 1971) | |
| Theresa Two Bulls | 1949 – 2020 | Oglala Sioux | Democratic | State senator (2005–2009) |
Tennessee[edit]
| Name | Image | Life | Ethnicity or tribe | Party | Offices held |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bryan Terry | 1968– | Choctaw Nation | Republican | State representative (2015–) |
Utah[edit]
| Name | Image | Life | Ethnicity or tribe | Party | Offices held |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angela Romero | Assiniboine | Democratic | State representative (2013–) |
Washington[edit]
| Name | Image | Life | Ethnicity or tribe | Party | Offices held |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| George Adams | 1880–1954 | Skokomish | Democratic | State representative (1933–1939), (1945–1954) | |
| Don Barlow | 1938–2016 | Ottawa | Democratic | State representative (2007–2009) | |
| William Bishop | 1861–1934 | Snohomish | Republican | State senator (1919–1927), (1933–1934), State representative (1899–1903), (1905–1907), (1909–1911), (1917–1919) | |
| Jim Dunn | 1942– | Inuit | Republican | State representative (1997–2003), (2005–2009) | |
| Claudia Kauffman | 1959– | Nez Perce | Democratic | State senator (2007–2011) | |
| Debra Lekanoff | 1971– | Tlingit | Democratic | State representative (2019–) | |
| John McCoy | 1943– | Tulalip | Democratic | State senator (2013–2020), State representative (2003–2013) | |
| Jeff Morris | 1964– | Tsimshian | Democratic | State representative (1997–2020) | |
| Chief George Pierre | 1926–2011 | Colville | Democratic | State representative (1965–1967) | |
| Jay Rodne | 1966– | Bad River Ojibwe | Republican | State representative (2004–2019) | |
| Dino Rossi | 1959– | Tlingit | Republican | State senator (1997–2003, 2012, 2017); 2004 and 2008 Republican nominee for Governor | |
| Lois Stratton | 1927–2020 | Spokane | Democratic | State senator (1985–1993), State representative (1980–1985) | |
| John Tennant | 1830–1893 | Quapaw | Territorial representative (1858–1860) |
Wyoming[edit]
| Name | Image | Life | Ethnicity or tribe | Party | Offices held |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| W. Patrick Goggles | 1952- | Arapaho | Democratic | State representative (2004–2015) | |
| Affie Ellis | 1979/1980- | Navajo | Republican | State senator (2017–) | |
| Andi Clifford | Arapaho | Democratic | State representative (2019–) |
Municipal offices[edit]
Arizona[edit]
- Roberta Cano, (Navajo, Zuni Pueblo) Winslow Mayor (2021-)[34]
California[edit]
- Tasha Cerda, (Tohono O'odham Nation ) Gardena Mayor (2017–), City Council (2009–2013)[35]
- Todd Gloria, (Tlingit–Haida) Mayor of San Diego (2020–), City Council (2008– 2014)
Idaho[edit]
- William (Bill) Weems, (Coeur d'Alene) Plummer City Council [2012–2016] Mayor [2016– ]
Minnesota[edit]
- Renee Van Nett, (Leech Lake Ojibwe) Duluth City Council
New Mexico[edit]
- April J. Silversmith, Navajo Democrat (Gallup, NM Magistrate Judge[36])
- Carol Bowman Muskett, Navajo Democrat (McKinley County, NM Commissioner District I[37])
- Genevieve Jackson, Navajo Democrat (McKinley County, NM Commissioner District II[38])
- Harriet K. Becenti, Navajo Democrat (McKinley County, NM Clerk[39])
- Thommy Nelson, Navajo Democrat (McKinley County, NM Probate Judge[40])
- Felix Begay, Navajo Democrat (McKinley County, NM Sheriff[41])
- Earnest Becenti, Navajo Democrat (Mckinley County, NM County Treasurer[42])
- GloJean Todacheene, Navajo Democrat (San Juan County, NM Commissioner District I[43])
Oklahoma[edit]
- John Tyler Hammons (b. 1988, Cherokee Nation), mayor of Muskogee, Oklahoma (2008–2012)
Utah[edit]
- Willie Grayeyes, Navajo Democrat (San Juan County, UT Commission[44]
- Kenneth Maryboy, Navajo Democrat (San Juan County, UT Commission [45])
Washington[edit]
- Christopher Roberts, (b. 1978,) Choctaw Democrat, (Shoreline City Council [2010–])[46]
- Roxanne Murphy, (Nooksack) Bellingham City Council [2012–2018][47]
- Debora Juarez, (Blackfeet) Seattle City Council [2016–][48]
Wisconsin[edit]
- Kristie Goforth, (Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians), Monona City Council [2020–]
Other offices[edit]
- Fleming Begaye Sr. (1921–2019) (Navajo) – Navajo Code Talker, Honorary Chair of the Native American Coalition of the Donald J. Trump for President Campaign, 2016
- Peter MacDonald (born 1927) (Navajo) – Member of Richard Nixon's Committee to Re-Elect the President (CRP) in 1972.
- Plenty Coups (1848–1932) (Crow) – Representative of Native Americans for the dedication of the Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier
- Clarence L. Tinker (1887–1942) (Osage) – Major General, highest ranking Native American officer in the Army, Commander of the 7th Air Force in Hawaii, shot down and killed during the Battle of Midway.
- Samuel Benton Callahan (1833–1911) (Creek) — Tribal Representative to the Confederate Congress, 1864–65. Represented Creek and Seminole nations.
- Robert McDonald Jones (1808–1872) (Choctaw) — Tribal Representative to the Confederate Congress, 1863–65. Represented Choctaw and Chickasaw nations.
- Will Rogers (1879–1935, Cherokee), honorary mayor of Beverly Hills, California[49]
- Tasha Cerda first woman and person of either African American and Native American descent to be elected Mayor of Gardena, California (also first person of Native American descent to be elected mayor in the state of California)[50]
- Amber Medina (Chickasaw) 2 term Cameron County, Texas Democratic Chair
References[edit]
- ^ "IV. Our Nation’s American Indian and Alaska Native Citizens." US Department of the Interior Bureau of Indian Affairs. Retrieved 8 July 2012.
- ^ Pitzl, Mary Jo. "Sen. Jackson joining State Department". azcentral.com.
- ^ Cohen, Andrew (6 February 2011). "The Mikkanen Nomination and the White Man". The Atlantic.
- ^ "Nomination of Arvo Mikkanen to federal bench is dead for now". Indianz.
- ^ "Burrage, Michael | 2016". oklahomahof.com.
- ^ "Burrage, Billy Michael - Federal Judicial Center".
- ^ [1]
- ^ "ADA BROWN SERVES TO INSPIRE OTHERS". choctawnation.com.
- ^ Chavez, Aliyah. "Josiah Patkotak narrowly wins state House seat in Alaska". IndianCountryToday.com. Retrieved 28 January 2021.
- ^ "'WE ARE A NATION, NOT A FEDERAL PROGRAM', PRESIDENT BEGAYE STATES AT AZ TRIBAL LEGISLATIVE DAY" (PDF). THE NAVAJO NATION. Retrieved 15 January 2021.
- ^ a b c d Silversmith, Shondiin. "'Representation matters': 14 Native American candidates ran for office in Arizona; 11 won". The Arizona Republic. Retrieved 15 January 2021.
- ^ "House Member". www.azleg.gov.
- ^ "Donne Trotter's Second Chance". NBC Chicago. 28 November 2012. Retrieved 17 December 2020.
- ^ Dennis Zotigh (21 November 2014). "Meet Native America: Ponka-We Victors, Kansas State Representative". National Museum of the American Indian. Retrieved 15 May 2015. CS1 maint: discouraged parameter (link)
- ^ Duffy, Nick (November 4, 2020). "Native American transgender woman Stephanie Byers just shattered 'lavender ceiling' by getting elected in Kansas". PinkNews. Retrieved 23 February 2021. CS1 maint: discouraged parameter (link)
- ^ Allaire, Christian. "Why Kansas Representative Christina Haswood Wore Regalia While Being Sworn In". Vogue. Retrieved 24 March 2021.
- ^ a b "Western Native Voice Community Spotlight: Jade Bahr & Barbara Bessette". WORC. 8 January 2019. Retrieved 28 January 2021.
- ^ "Democrat Bessette grew up in House District 24 and is now a candidate". Great Falls Tribune. USA Today Network. Retrieved 28 January 2021.
- ^ Chavez, Aliyah. "Crow Tribal Chairman endorses Trump campaign". Indian Country Today. Retrieved October 21, 2020.
- ^ "Montana setting the example". IndianCountryToday.com. Retrieved 28 January 2021.
- ^ "Home". Capitol Report New Mexico.
- ^ "Patricia Roybal Caballero :: UNM Chicana and Chicano Studies | The University of New Mexico". chicanos.unm.edu. Retrieved 16 January 2021.
- ^ a b c "Error - New Mexico Legislature". www.nmlegis.gov.
- ^ "Jack Jackson – Navajo Oral History". navajopeople.org.
- ^ "Doreen Wonda Johnson: National Code Talker Museum needed in D.C." Indianz. Retrieved 16 January 2021.
- ^ Zotigh, Dennis. "Meet Native America: Georgene Louis, State Representative for House District 26, New Mexico State Legislature". blog.nmai.si.edu. Retrieved 16 January 2021.
- ^ "Lynda Lovejoy". Ballotpedia.
- ^ Zotigh, Dennis. "Meet Native America: James Roger Madalena (Jemez Pueblo), New Mexico State Representative". blog.nmai.si.edu. Retrieved 16 January 2021.
- ^ "New Mexico House Democrats celebrate Native American heritage, honor Representative Nick Salazar". www.grantcountybeat.com. Retrieved 16 January 2021.
- ^ "Benny Shendo Jr". Center for Native American and Indigenous Studies (CNAIS). 23 June 2020. Retrieved 16 January 2021.
- ^ a b c "The Native American Caucus of the Oklahoma House of Representatives." Retrieved 13 Nov 2012.
- ^ Adcock, Clifton. "Lawmaker angry with Creek tribe for lawsuit". Tulsa World. Retrieved 16 January 2021.
- ^ a b "Native American Caucus Elects New Co-Chairs". www.okhouse.gov. Retrieved 16 January 2021.
- ^ "Mayor Roberta Cano". City of Winslow.
- ^ Pinto, Alex. "Mayor Tasha Cerda". City of Gardena.
- ^ "Court offers "second-chance" days - Navajo Times". www.navajotimes.com.
- ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2014-12-24. Retrieved 2014-12-27. CS1 maint: discouraged parameter (link) CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
- ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2014-12-24. Retrieved 2014-12-27. CS1 maint: discouraged parameter (link) CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
- ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2014-12-27. Retrieved 2014-12-27. CS1 maint: discouraged parameter (link) CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
- ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2014-12-24. Retrieved 2014-12-27. CS1 maint: discouraged parameter (link) CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
- ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2014-12-27. Retrieved 2014-12-27. CS1 maint: discouraged parameter (link) CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
- ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2014-12-27. Retrieved 2014-12-27. CS1 maint: discouraged parameter (link) CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
- ^ [2]
- ^ "Grayeyes wins county seat in historic election". Navajo Times News. 8 November 2018.
- ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2007-09-28. Retrieved 2007-06-22. CS1 maint: discouraged parameter (link) CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
- ^ Walker, Richard (16 February 2016). "Shoreline Mayor Chris Roberts, Choctaw, On 'Rapidly Changing Community'". Indian Country Today. Retrieved 22 September 2020. CS1 maint: discouraged parameter (link)
- ^ "At Large Roxanne Murphy, Bellingham City Council". Cascadia Weekly. 28 June 2017. Retrieved 22 September 2020. CS1 maint: discouraged parameter (link)
- ^ Daniels, Chris (15 September 2016). "Seattle councilmember Juarez speaks out against DAPL". King 5. Retrieved 22 September 2020. CS1 maint: discouraged parameter (link)
- ^ "Will Rogers Memorial Park." City of Beverly Hills. Retrieved 13 Nov 2012.
- ^ [3][dead link]
External links[edit]
- Political Graveyard's list of Native American politicians