Peggy Flanagan is on the brink of becoming the nation’s first female Native American governor
Here's a revised version of the article description: If the Democratic ticket achieves success.
TroibNews 
Peggy Flanagan is on the verge of making history as the first Native American woman governor if the Harris-Walz ticket wins in November. She has a history of breaking political barriers, having been the second Native American woman to address a Democratic National Convention in 2016. In 2018, Flanagan became Minnesota’s lieutenant governor, marking her as the highest-ranking American Indian elected official in the United States.
At 44 years old, this enrolled member of the White Earth Band of Ojibwe and of Irish descent is acutely aware of the unique challenges that Native Americans encounter in gaining recognition and respect in politics.
“Too often elected leaders don't know we exist,” Flanagan shared in an interview with PMG, reflecting on a colleague's surprise during her retirement speech from the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2018. “I didn't know you were Native American," came the reaction. “I thought you were all dead.”
This kind of ignorance continues, despite Flanagan potentially succeeding two male American Indian governors and amidst the representation of iconic leaders like Charles Curtis, the highest-ranking Indigenous officeholder in U.S. history.
Flanagan boasts a wealth of experience. She served on the Minneapolis School Board in the mid-2000s and later became the executive director of the Minnesota chapter of the Children's Defense Fund. Her journey into politics gained momentum in 2015 when she was elected to the Minnesota House. After three years, Tim Walz selected her as his running mate.
Her connection with Walz dates back over a decade to their time together at Camp Wellstone, a camp designed to train aspiring progressive political candidates and operatives.
In their conversation, Flanagan discussed her initiatives to empower Native American political representation, the progressive legislative successes she and Walz have achieved in Minnesota, and a candid moment when her daughter was discovered to have lice shortly after Flanagan’s election as lieutenant governor.
“I need help. Who do I call? Tim Walz,” Flanagan recalled. “He was amazing and coached me through the whole thing, and that is who Tim Walz is.”
Staying tuned to her thoughts on the significance of becoming the first female Native American governor, Flanagan stated, “Representation matters. I'm the highest-ranking Native woman in executive office currently, and it is a real honor.” She highlighted the importance of elected leaders reflecting the constituents they represent, positing that this shift is beneficial for democracy.
Flanagan expressed pride in her daughter's opportunities in contemporary politics compared to her own upbringing. “Growing up, I had Geraldine Ferraro, as [Walter] Mondale's running mate. And now my daughter has all of these examples... it's just a completely different reality.”
As an activist, Flanagan discussed the hurdles in establishing Native American political power, emphasizing significant distrust in government due to historical injustices. However, she sees potential for opportunity, noting that Native people—especially women—have always held leadership roles.
“We're beginning to see more Native people in elected office,” she said. “But if we want to reach parity, we have to elect 17,000 Native people at all levels of government.” She has co-founded Advance Native Political Leadership, an organization aimed at supporting Native individuals in running for office and contributing to campaigns nationwide.
Flanagan emphasized the importance of Native voting power. “The Native vote makes a huge difference. We are strategically located in swing states... Ignore us at your peril. We are a really important voting block.”
Reflecting on a conversation with her late father, activist Marvin Manypenny, she noted, “He would quickly follow that up with, ‘My girl, we need to do both.’” Flanagan underscored the need for both inside and outside strategies in political reform. She shared an experience where an elected colleague expressed ignorance about her Native American heritage: “I didn't know you were Native American... I thought you were all dead.”
On the legislative front, Flanagan indicated strong support for the agenda Minnesota Democrats have advanced, including measures like universal paid family leave and free school meals. She noted the bipartisan popularity of these initiatives and recounted stark stories from advocates that highlight their necessity.
Regarding tensions in the legislature over expanding Medicaid to undocumented immigrants, Flanagan acknowledged Governor Walz's signature on the bill as a key expression of support. “We want people to be healthy... We're not in the business of picking and choosing who gets what, whether that's meals or health care.”
She commended the durability of legislative coalitions despite pressures, explaining their collaborative approach to governance. “You see conservatives have a lot of fights in public. We have a lot of, ‘Can I see you in the kitchen?’ conversations.”
Flanagan also reflected on her long-standing partnership with Walz, acknowledging his authenticity—a trait that resonates with the public. “What you see is what you get... I see something similar in Gov. Walz.”
Flanagan recounted the humorous challenges she faced as a newly elected official when her daughter was found to have lice immediately post-election. “My first instinct was to call Congressman Tim Walz, also governor-elect Tim Walz... He was amazing and coached me through the whole thing.”
Mathilde Moreau contributed to this report for TROIB News
At 44 years old, this enrolled member of the White Earth Band of Ojibwe and of Irish descent is acutely aware of the unique challenges that Native Americans encounter in gaining recognition and respect in politics.
“Too often elected leaders don't know we exist,” Flanagan shared in an interview with PMG, reflecting on a colleague's surprise during her retirement speech from the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2018. “I didn't know you were Native American," came the reaction. “I thought you were all dead.”
This kind of ignorance continues, despite Flanagan potentially succeeding two male American Indian governors and amidst the representation of iconic leaders like Charles Curtis, the highest-ranking Indigenous officeholder in U.S. history.
Flanagan boasts a wealth of experience. She served on the Minneapolis School Board in the mid-2000s and later became the executive director of the Minnesota chapter of the Children's Defense Fund. Her journey into politics gained momentum in 2015 when she was elected to the Minnesota House. After three years, Tim Walz selected her as his running mate.
Her connection with Walz dates back over a decade to their time together at Camp Wellstone, a camp designed to train aspiring progressive political candidates and operatives.
In their conversation, Flanagan discussed her initiatives to empower Native American political representation, the progressive legislative successes she and Walz have achieved in Minnesota, and a candid moment when her daughter was discovered to have lice shortly after Flanagan’s election as lieutenant governor.
“I need help. Who do I call? Tim Walz,” Flanagan recalled. “He was amazing and coached me through the whole thing, and that is who Tim Walz is.”
Staying tuned to her thoughts on the significance of becoming the first female Native American governor, Flanagan stated, “Representation matters. I'm the highest-ranking Native woman in executive office currently, and it is a real honor.” She highlighted the importance of elected leaders reflecting the constituents they represent, positing that this shift is beneficial for democracy.
Flanagan expressed pride in her daughter's opportunities in contemporary politics compared to her own upbringing. “Growing up, I had Geraldine Ferraro, as [Walter] Mondale's running mate. And now my daughter has all of these examples... it's just a completely different reality.”
As an activist, Flanagan discussed the hurdles in establishing Native American political power, emphasizing significant distrust in government due to historical injustices. However, she sees potential for opportunity, noting that Native people—especially women—have always held leadership roles.
“We're beginning to see more Native people in elected office,” she said. “But if we want to reach parity, we have to elect 17,000 Native people at all levels of government.” She has co-founded Advance Native Political Leadership, an organization aimed at supporting Native individuals in running for office and contributing to campaigns nationwide.
Flanagan emphasized the importance of Native voting power. “The Native vote makes a huge difference. We are strategically located in swing states... Ignore us at your peril. We are a really important voting block.”
Reflecting on a conversation with her late father, activist Marvin Manypenny, she noted, “He would quickly follow that up with, ‘My girl, we need to do both.’” Flanagan underscored the need for both inside and outside strategies in political reform. She shared an experience where an elected colleague expressed ignorance about her Native American heritage: “I didn't know you were Native American... I thought you were all dead.”
On the legislative front, Flanagan indicated strong support for the agenda Minnesota Democrats have advanced, including measures like universal paid family leave and free school meals. She noted the bipartisan popularity of these initiatives and recounted stark stories from advocates that highlight their necessity.
Regarding tensions in the legislature over expanding Medicaid to undocumented immigrants, Flanagan acknowledged Governor Walz's signature on the bill as a key expression of support. “We want people to be healthy... We're not in the business of picking and choosing who gets what, whether that's meals or health care.”
She commended the durability of legislative coalitions despite pressures, explaining their collaborative approach to governance. “You see conservatives have a lot of fights in public. We have a lot of, ‘Can I see you in the kitchen?’ conversations.”
Flanagan also reflected on her long-standing partnership with Walz, acknowledging his authenticity—a trait that resonates with the public. “What you see is what you get... I see something similar in Gov. Walz.”
Flanagan recounted the humorous challenges she faced as a newly elected official when her daughter was found to have lice immediately post-election. “My first instinct was to call Congressman Tim Walz, also governor-elect Tim Walz... He was amazing and coached me through the whole thing.”
Mathilde Moreau contributed to this report for TROIB News
