Minnesota may be on the verge of making history as the potential home to the first Native American woman to serve as a state governor in the United States. This unprecedented possibility arises from Vice President Kamala Harris’s recent selection of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate for the upcoming presidential election. If the Harris-Walz ticket is victorious, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan is poised to step into the role of governor, a move that would mark a significant milestone in American politics.
Peggy Flanagan, a citizen of the White Earth Nation, has already broken barriers by becoming the first Native woman in the Lower 48 states to serve as lieutenant governor. Her election alongside Walz in 2018 was a landmark achievement, and her ascent to the governorship would only further solidify her status as a trailblazer. Flanagan’s rise to this position would not only make her the first female governor of Minnesota but also the first Native American woman to lead a U.S. state.
Flanagan’s political career is deeply rooted in her commitment to social justice and advocacy for marginalized communities. She began her public service journey as a member of the Minneapolis Board of Education from 2005 to 2009, where she championed policies aimed at improving educational outcomes for under-served students. In 2015, she was elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives, where she played a crucial role in forming the state’s first People of Color and Indigenous Caucus. This caucus has been instrumental in advancing legislation that addresses the social and economic disparities faced by marginalized communities across the state.
During her tenure as lieutenant governor, Flanagan has continued to advocate for policies that support vulnerable populations. She was a driving force behind the creation of Minnesota’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives Office, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at addressing the alarming rates of violence against Indigenous people in the state. Additionally, she has worked to pass legislation that provides a historic child tax credit and supports free and reduced-price school meals, ensuring that Minnesota’s children have the resources they need to thrive.
Flanagan’s potential ascent to the governorship comes at a time when the political dynamics in Minnesota are shifting. As Walz takes on a national role in the Harris campaign, Flanagan will likely assume many of the day-to-day responsibilities of the governor’s office, particularly as the campaign intensifies in key swing states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin. Should the Harris-Walz ticket win the presidential election, Walz may choose to resign after the November election or wait until the inauguration in January, at which point Flanagan would succeed him as governor for the remaining two years of his term.
This scenario raises significant implications for Minnesota’s political landscape. Flanagan’s leadership could usher in a new era of progressive governance in the state, building on the achievements she and Walz have already accomplished. Their administration has been marked by efforts to strengthen relationships with the 11 federally-recognized tribal nations in Minnesota, a priority that Flanagan, as a Native American leader, has been uniquely positioned to advance.
Flanagan’s potential governorship also holds broader national significance. As the first Native American woman to hold such a high office, her leadership would send a powerful message about the importance of representation and diversity in American politics. Her role would not only be a source of pride for Indigenous communities but could also inspire a new generation of leaders from underrepresented backgrounds to pursue public service.
However, Flanagan’s path to the governorship is not without its challenges. Should she assume the role, she will need to navigate a complex political environment in Minnesota, where she will be expected to balance the demands of governance with the expectations of the diverse constituencies she represents. Additionally, she will face the task of continuing to advance the progressive agenda she and Walz have championed, all while preparing for the next gubernatorial election in 2026.
Despite these challenges, Flanagan’s record suggests that she is well-prepared for the role. Her extensive experience in public service, coupled with her deep commitment to social justice, positions her as a strong leader who can effectively guide Minnesota through the coming years. Her leadership would not only benefit the state but could also have a lasting impact on the national conversation around Indigenous rights and representation.
Flanagan has said, “If I am called to be the next governor of Minnesota, I will absolutely answer that call.”
COMMENTS