‘Strength of matriarchs’: New Mexico’s Deb Haaland poised to be first female Native American governor

Key Points:

• Deb Haaland, a member of Laguna Pueblo and former Interior Secretary, is poised to become the first Native American female governor in the US, leading in polls ahead of the New Mexico gubernatorial election on November 3.
• Haaland’s campaign emphasizes expanding social safety nets, improving rural healthcare, protecting natural resources, and addressing Indigenous issues such as missing and murdered persons and the legacy of Native boarding schools.
• Her candidacy has energized New Mexico’s Indigenous population, which makes up over 12% of the state, and has garnered endorsements from prominent Democrats including Barack Obama and Pete Buttigieg.
• The 2024 election cycle is historic for Native candidates nationwide, with a record 358 Indigenous candidates running and the potential for the first Indigenous woman elected to the US Senate.
• Despite progress, Native voters still face obstacles such as limited polling access and ID restrictions; New Mexico has addressed some challenges with its 2023 Native American Voting Rights Act, and grassroots efforts continue to boost Native voter turnout.