First Native American senator elected
The gist
Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan won the state's open US Senate seat, defeating Republican Michele Tafoya.
She is the first Native American woman elected to the Senate.
How it unfolded
- Aug 11, 2026Flanagan easily won Minnesota's Democratic primary for the Senate seat, according to Decision Desk HQ.
- Nov 3, 2026Flanagan won Minnesota's open U.S. Senate seat, defeating Republican Michele Tafoya.
- Nov 4, 2026Flanagan was projected to become the country's first Native American woman U.S. senator, while Deb Haaland was projected as the first Native American woman governor.