List of Native American politicians

Last updated

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.

Contents

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

Executive branch

NameImageLifeEthnicity
or tribe
PartyOffices held
Peter Pitchlynn Peter P Pitchlynn around the time of the American Civil War.jpg 1806–1881 Choctaw Nation Independent Choctaw Ambassador to the United States, 1845–1861, 1866–1881
National Union [2]
Independent
Ely Parker Ely S. Parker.jpg 1828–1895 Tonawanda Seneca Independent Commissioner of Indian Affairs in the Grant administration
Charles Curtis Charles Curtis-portrait.jpg 1860–1936 Kaw/Osage/Potawatomi Republican U.S. Vice President, 1929–1933
Ben Reifel Portrait of Ben Reifel.jpg 1906–1990 Rosebud Lakota Republican Interim Commissioner of Indian Affairs, 1976–1977
Wilma Victor 1919–1987 Choctaw Nation Republican Special assistant to Secretary of the Interior Rogers Morton, 1971–1975
Ada Deer Ada E. Deer.jpg 1935–2023 Menominee Democratic 6th Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs, 1993–1997
Neal McCaleb Neal McCaleb.jpg 1935– Chickasaw Nation Republican 8th Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs, 2001–2003
Ross Swimmer Ross O Swimmer (cropped).JPG 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
Larry Echo Hawk LarryEchoHawkDOI.JPG 1948– Pawnee Nation Democratic 11th Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs, 2009–2012
Michael Burrage 1950– Choctaw Nation Independent Choctaw Ambassador to the United States, 1974–1994, 2001–present
David W. Anderson 1953– Choctaw/Ojibwe Republican 9th Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs, 2004–2005
Marilynn Malerba Marilynn Malerba, U.S. Treasurer.jpg 1953– Mohegan Democratic 45th Treasurer designate of the United States, 2022–present
Kevin Gover Kevin Gover (15520875743) (cropped).jpg 1955– Pawnee Nation Democratic 7th Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs, 1997–2001
Deb Haaland Secretary Deb Haaland, official headshot.jpg 1960– Laguna Pueblo Democratic 54th United States Secretary of the Interior, 2021–present
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]
Karina Walters Karina Walters 2023.jpg 1964– Choctaw Nation Democratic Director of the Tribal Health Research Office at the National Institutes of Health, 2023–present
Carl J. Artman Carl J. Artman.jpg 1965– Oneida Republican 10th Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs, 2007–2008
Keith Harper Ambassador Keith Harper in Geneva 2014.jpg 1965– Cherokee Nation Democratic U.S. representative to the United Nations Human Rights Council, 2014–2017
Kimberly Teehee Kimberly Teehee, 2012-04-27 (cropped).jpg 1966– Cherokee Nation Democratic White House Senior Policy Advisor for Native American Affairs, 2009–2012
Kevin K. Washburn Kevin Washburn 2010.jpg 1967– Chickasaw Nation Democratic 12th Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs, 2012–2016
Tara Sweeney Tara Sweeney official photo (cropped).jpg 1973– Arctic Slope Iñupiat Republican 13th Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs, 2018–2021
Jack Jackson, Jr. Jack Jackson Jr (cropped).jpg Navajo Nation Democratic Liaison to Secretary John Kerry, US Department of State [5]
Bryan Newland Bryan Newland, Assistant Secretary of the Interior.jpg Bay Mills Chippewa Democratic 14th Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs, 2021–present
Jeannie Hovland Jeannie Hovland official photo (cropped).jpg 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
Roselyn Tso Roselyn Tso, IHS Director 2.jpg Navajo Nation Democratic Director of the Indian Health Service, 2022–present

Legislative branch

State offices

Alaska

NameImageLifeEthnicity
or tribe
PartyOffices 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 1929–2022 Aleut RepublicanState representative 1981–1983
Nels A. Anderson, Jr. Nels A. Anderson, Jr.jpg 1939– Yup’ik DemocraticState representative 1975–1981, state senator 1982–1983
Bill Beltz 1912–1960InupiaqDemocratic Territorial representative 1949–1951, territorial senator 1951–1959, state senator and president of the state senate 1959–1960
Ray Christiansen 1922–1998Yup’ikDemocraticState representative 1961–1967, state senator 1967–1973
Joseph Chuckwuk 1948–Yup’ikDemocraticState representative 1981–1983
John E. Curtis 1915–1999InupiaqRepublicanState representative 1959–1961
Larry T. Davis Larry T. Davis.jpg 1930–2006InupiaqDemocraticState representative 1975–1977
Chuck Degnan Chuck Degnan.jpg 1941–InupiaqDemocraticState representative 1971–1975
Frank Degnan 1901–1980[ ? ]DemocraticTerritorial representative 1951–1953
Bryce Edgmon 2013 edgmon portrait (cropped).jpg 1961–Yup'ikDemocraticState representative 2007–present, speaker of the state house 2017–2021
Independent
Charles Fagerstrom 1905–1962InupiaqDemocraticTerritorial representative 1953–1957, state representative 1959–1961
Frank R. Ferguson Frank R. Ferguson.jpg 1939–2003InupiaqDemocraticState representative 1971–1975, state senator 1975–1986
Independent
Neal Foster 1972–InupiaqDemocraticState representative 2009–present
Richard Foster 1946–2009InupiaqDemocraticState representative 1989–2009
Charles Franz c. 1910–1996[ ? ]DemocraticState representative 1959–1961
Phillip Guy Phillip Guy 1977.jpg 1941–2011Yup’ikDemocraticState representative 1973–1981
Willie Hensley Willie Hensley 1973.jpg 1941–InupiaqDemocraticState representative 1967–1971, state senator 1971–1975 and 1987–1989
Adelheid Herrmann 1953– Dena'ina DemocraticState representative 1983–1989
Jimmy Hoffman c. 1925–1982Yup’ikRepublicanState representative 1959–1961
Lyman Hoffman Lyman Hoffman (cropped).jpg 1950–Yup’ikDemocraticState representative 1987–1991 and 1993–1995, state senator 1991–1993 and 1995–present
Andrew Hope 1896–1968 Tlingit DemocraticTerritorial representative 1945–1953 and 1957–1959, state representative 1959–1963
Eben Hopson 1922–1980InupiaqDemocraticTerritorial representative 1957–1959, state senator 1959–1967
Jimmy Huntington 1916–1987 Koyukon IndependentState representative 1975–1977
Percy Ipalook 1906–1990InupiaqRepublicanTerritorial representative 1949–1951, territorial senator 1951–1955
Brenda Itta Brenda Itta.jpg 1943–InupiaqDemocraticState representative 1975–1977
Ivan M. Ivan 1945–Yup’ikDemocraticState representative 1991–1993 and 1995–1999
George Jacko 1959–AleutDemocraticState representative 1989–1993, state senator 1993–1995
Dena'ina
Yup’ik
Arthur D. Johnson 1920–1961[ ? ]RepublicanState representative 1961
Axel C. Johnson 1911–1985Yup’ikDemocraticState representative 1959–1961 and 1963–1967
Frank G. Johnson 1894–1982TlingitRepublicanTerritorial representative 1947–1955 and 1957–1959
Frank L. Johnson c. 1904–[ ? ]InupiaqRepublicanTerritorial representative 1949–1951
Grace A. Johnson 1924–2004InupiaqRepublicanState representative 1962–1963
Reggie Joule 1952–InupiaqDemocraticState representative 1997–2012
Sam Kito III 1964–TlingitDemocraticState representative 2014–2019
Albert Kookesh 1948–2021TlingitDemocraticState representative 1997–2005, state senator 2005–2013
Jacob Laktonen Jacob Laktonen.jpg 1917–1996 Alutiiq RepublicanState representative 1973–1975
Loren Leman LorenLeman.jpg 1950–AlutiiqRepublicanState representative 1989–1993, state senator 1993–2002, lieutenant governor 2002–2006
Georgianna Lincoln Georgianna Harwood (Lincoln).jpg 1943– Gwich'in DemocraticState representative 1991–1993, state senator 1993–2005
John Lincoln John Lincoln (cropped).jpg 1981–InupiaqDemocraticState representative 2018–2021
Independent
Don Long 1944–InupiaqDemocraticState representative 1996–1997
Jerry Mackie 1962– Haida DemocraticState representative 1991–1997, state senator 1997–2001
Republican
Eileen MacLean 1949–1996InupiaqDemocraticState representative 1989–1995
Byron Mallott Byron Mallott.jpg 1943–2020TlingitDemocratic Commissioner of community and regional affairs 1972–1974, lieutenant governor 2014–2018
Independent
Beverly Masek 1963– Deg Hit'an RepublicanState representative 1995–2005
Charisse Millett Charisse Millett at House Republican press availability, February 2, 2017.png 1964–InupiaqRepublicanState representative 2009–2019
Martin B. Moore 1937–2022Yup’ikDemocraticState representative 1971–1973
Carl M. Morgan 1950–Yup’ikRepublicanState representative 1999–2005
Carl E. Moses 1929–2014Aleut Alaskan Independence State representative 1965–1973 and 1993–2007
Democratic
Republican
Benjamin Nageak 1950–InupiaqDemocraticState representative 2013–2017
Alfred Nakak Alfred Nakak.jpg 1947–2000InupiaqDemocraticState representative 1977–1979
Ed Naughton Ed Naughton.jpg 1930–2002[ ? ]DemocraticState representative 1971–1977
Irene Nicholia 1956–KoyukonDemocraticState representative 1993–1999
John Nusunginya 1927–1981InupiaqDemocraticState representative 1959–1963
Donny Olson Donny Olson crop.jpg 1953–InupiaqDemocraticState senator 2001–present
Alvin Osterback Alvin Osterback.jpg 1915–2005[ ? ]DemocraticState representative 1975–1981
Justin Parish 1980–TinglitDemocraticState representative 2017–2019
Josiah Patkotak 1994–Inupiaq [6] Independent State representative 2020–present
Moses Paukan 1933–2017Yup’ikDemocraticState representative 1968–1971
William Paul 1885–1977TlingitRepublicanTerritorial representative 1925–1929, (first Alaska Native legislator)
Frank Peratrovich 1895–1984TlingitDemocraticTerritorial 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 Larry Peterson.jpg 1939– Gwich'in DemocraticState representative 1973–1975
John Sackett John Sackett.jpg 1944–2021KoyukonRepublicanState representative 1967–1971, state senator 1973–1987
Woodie Salmon 1952–Gwich'inDemocraticState representative 2005–2011
Mary Sattler Rep. Mary Peltola headshot (cropped).jpg 1973–Yup’ikDemocraticState representative 1999–2009
Leo Schaeffer Leo Schaeffer.jpg 1947–InupiaqDemocraticState representative 1977–1981
Frank See 1915–1998TlingitDemocraticState representative 1965–1969
Martin Seversen Martin Seversen.jpg 1925–1979[ ? ][ ? ]State representative 1977
Jake Stalker 1917–c. 2008InupiaqDemocraticState representative 1961–1967
Bill Thomas 1947–TlingitRepublicanState representative 2005–2013
Tony Vaska 1948–Yup’ikDemocraticState representative 1981–1985
Kay Wallis 1944–Gwich'inDemocraticState representative 1985–1991
Tim Wallis Tim Wallis.jpg 1940–Gwich'inDemocraticState representative 1975–1977
Jerry Ward 1948–Alaskan Athabaskan Alaskan Independence State representative 1983–1985, state senator 1997–2003
Republican
James K. Wells 1906–1979InupiaqDemocraticTerritorial representative 1951–1953
John Westdahl 1918–1968Yup’ikDemocraticState representative 1967–1968
Dean Westlake 1960–InupiaqDemocraticState representative 2017
Alfred Widmark 1904–1989TlingitRepublicanState representative 1961–1963
Bill K. Williams 1943–2019TlingitDemocraticState representative 1993–2005
Republican
Jules W. Wright Jules W. Wright.jpg 1933–2022Gwich'inRepublicanState representative 1967–1969
Fred Zharoff 1944–2001AlutiiqDemocraticState representative 1979–1985, state senator 1985–1997
Tiffany Zulkosky Tiffany Zulkosky.jpg 1984–Yup’ikDemocraticState representative 2018–present

Arizona

NameImageLifeEthnicity
or tribe
PartyOffices held
Carlyle Begay Carlyle Begay by Gage Skidmore.jpg [ ? ] Navajo Democratic State senator 2013–2017
Republican
Jennifer D. Benally [ ? ]Navajo [7] Democratic State representative 2015–2017
Wenona Benally Wenona Benally Baldenegro.jpg Navajo Democratic State representative 2017-2019
Jasmine Blackwater-Nygren Jasmine Blackwater-Nygren by Gage Skidmore.jpg Navajo Democratic State representative 2020–2023 [8]
Domingo DeGrazia DeGraziaTownHall.jpg Cherokee Democratic State representative 2019–2023 [8]
Eric Descheenie Eric Descheenie by Gage Skidmore.jpg Navajo Democratic State representative 2017–2019
Chris Deschene Chris Deschene Photo.jpg Navajo Democratic State representative 2009–2011
Luis A. Gonzalez Pascua Yaqui Democratic State senator, District 10, 1979–1986 [9]
Sally Ann Gonzales 1957–Pascua Yaqui Democratic State representative 1997–2001 and 2011–2019
Tom Gordon Hualapai Republican State representative 1999–2001
Albert Hale 1950–2021Navajo Democratic State senator 2004–2011; State representative 2011–2021
Benjamin Hanley 1941– Navajo Democratic State representative, 1973–1998 [9]
Theresa Hatathlie Theresa Hatathlie by Gage Skidmore 2.jpg Navajo Democratic State Senator for AZ District 6, 2023-present
James Henderson Jr. 1942–Navajo Democratic State senator, District 5, 1985–1999 [9]
Arthur J. Hubbard Sr. 1912–2014Navajo, Tohono Oʼodham Democratic State senator 1972–1984
Lloyd House 1931–2015 Navajo, Oneida Democratic State representative 1967–1968 [10]
Jack Jackson, Jr. Jack Jackson Jr (cropped).jpg Navajo Democratic State Senator for AZ District 2, 2011–2013, State representative 2003–2005
Jennifer Jermaine Jennifer Jermaine by Gage Skidmore.jpg White Earth Ojibwe Democratic State representative for the 18th district (2019–present) [8]
Sylvia Laughter [ ? ] Navajo Democratic State representative 1999–2005
Independent
Myron Lizer Myron Lizer at Keep America Great rally (cropped).jpg Navajo / Comanche Republican 10th Vice President of the Navajo Nation
Peter MacDonald Peter MacDonald, Sr. Navajo Nation 2021.jpg 1928– Navajo Republican 7th Chairman of the Navajo Nation (1970–1989)
Jonathan Nez Jonathan Nez.jpg 1975– Navajo Democratic 9th President of the Navajo Nation
Debora Lynn Norris Navajo, Tohono Oʼodham Democratic State representative, District 11, 1997–2002 [9]
Victoria Steele [ ? ] Seneca Democratic State representative 2013–2016, State senator 2019–2023
Arlando Teller Arlando Teller by Gage Skidmore.jpg Navajo Democratic State representative 2019–2021 [8]
Albert Tom 1956– Navajo Democratic State representative, 2001–2002, 2005–2008 [9]
Myron Tsosie Myron Tsosie by Gage Skidmore.jpg Navajo Democratic State representative 2019–present [8]
Daniel Peaches 1940–2022 Navajo Democratic State representative, 1975–1984 [9]
Jamescita Peshlakai Jamescita Peshlakai Portrait 2014-02-03.jpg Navajo Democratic State representative, District 7 (2013-2015) State senator (2017-2021) [11]
Mae Peshlakai Mae Peshlakai by Gage Skidmore.jpg Navajo Democratic State representative, District 6 (2023-present)
Peterson Zah Tribal Energy Summit (5693942150).jpg 1937–2023Navajo Democratic Special Adviser to ASU President on American Indian Affairs

Arkansas

NameImageLifeEthnicity
or tribe
PartyOffices held
Donna Hutchinson 1949– Blackfeet Republican State representative, District 98, 2007–2013 [12]

California

NameImageLifeEthnicity
or tribe
PartyOffices held
Todd Gloria AssemblymemberToddGloria.jpg 1978– TlingitHaida Democratic State assemblyman (2017–2020)
James C. Ramos James Ramos CA Assembly official photo.jpg 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

NameImageLifeEthnicity
or tribe
PartyOffices held
Ben Nighthorse Campbell BenNCampbell.jpg 1933– Northern Cheyenne Democratic Member of the Colorado House of Representatives from the 59th district (1983–1987)
Republican

Idaho

NameImageLifeEthnicity
or tribe
PartyOffices held
Joseph R. Garry 1910–1975 Coeur d'Alene Democratic State representative (1956–1960) [13] [14]
Jeanne Givens 1951/52– Coeur d'Alene Democratic State representative (1985–1989)
Larry Echo Hawk LarryEchoHawkDOI.JPG 1948– Pawnee Nation Democratic Attorney General of Idaho (1991–1995)
Paulette Jordan PauletteJordanIF7a (cropped).jpg 1979– Coeur d'Alene Democratic State representative (2014–2018)
Democratic nominee for Governor in 2018
Democratic nominee for Senate in 2020

Illinois

NameImageLifeEthnicity
or tribe
PartyOffices held
Donne E. Trotter Donne Trotter.png 1950– Choctaw [15] Democratic State senator (1993–2018); State representative (1988–1993)

Kansas

NameImageLifeEthnicity
or tribe
PartyOffices held
Ponka–We Victors 1981– PoncaTohono O'odham Democratic State representative, District 103 (2011–present) [16]
Stephanie Byers Stephanie Byers.png 1963- Chickasaw Democratic State representative, District 86 (2021-2023) [17]
Christina Haswood Haswood cropped.png 1994- Navajo Democratic State representative, District 10 (2021-present) [18]

Kentucky

NameImageLifeEthnicity
or tribe
PartyOffices held
Reginald Meeks 1954– Cherokee Nation [19] Democratic State representative (2000–2021)

Maine

NameImageLifeEthnicity
or tribe
PartyOffices held
Lola Coly (Cola/Nicola) [20] Penobscot Independent State representative, 1980–1897, 1911–1913 [21]
Matthew Dana II Passamaquoddy Independent State representative (non–voting)
Lewy Mitchell Passamaquoddy Independent State representative 1880–1881, 1883–1887, 1895–1897, 1903–1905 [21]
Wayne Mitchell 1952–2019 Penobscot Independent State representative (non–voting)
John S. Nelson Penobscot Independent State representative, 1957–1971 [21]
Peter M. Nelson Penobscot Independent State representative, 1905–1907 [22] [21]
Peter F. Neptune Passamaquoddy Independent State representative, 1905–1907 [22] [21]
Joseph Neptune Passamaquoddy Independent State representative, 1907–1909 [21]
Joseph Nicolar 1827–1894 Penobscot Independent State representative, 1859–1866, 1881–1894 [21]
Rena Newell Passamaquoddy Independent State representative (non-voting)
Sebatis Shay Penobscot Independent State representative, 1899–1901 [21]
Nicholas Sockabasin Penobscot Independent State representative, 1907–1909 [21]
Peol Sockis Penobscot Independent State representative, 1853–1856, 1861–1866 [21]
Madonna Soctomah Passamaquoddy Independent State representative (non-voting)
Henry John Bear Maliseet Green State representative (non–voting)

Massachusetts

NameImageLifeEthnicity
or tribe
PartyOffices held
Watson F. Hammond 1837–1919 Montauk Republican State representative (1885) [23]

Michigan

NameImageLifeEthnicity
or tribe
PartyOffices held
Cora Reynolds Anderson Cora Reynolds Anderson.png 1882-1950 Chippewa Republican State representative (1924-1925)
Adam Hollier Adam Hollier at Whitmer's inauguration (January 1, 2023) (cropped).jpg 1985– Muscogee Creek Nation Democratic State senator (2018–2022)

Minnesota

NameImageLifeEthnicity
or tribe
PartyOffices held
Susan Allen Susan Allen.jpg 1963– Rosebud Lakota Democratic State representative (2012–2019)
Jamie Becker–Finn Leech Lake Ojibwe Democratic State representative (2017–present)
Harold "Skip" Finn Harold "Skip" Finn.png 1948–2018 Leech Lake Ojibwe Democratic State senator (1991–1996)
Peggy Flanagan Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan at the 'Amy For America' booth at the Minnesota State Fair.jpg 1979– White Earth Band of Ojibwe Democratic Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota (2019–present)
State representative (2015–2019)
Steve Green SteveGreen2018.png 1960– White Earth Band of Ojibwe Republican State representative (2013–2023)
State senator (2023–present)
Mary Kelly Kunesh–Podein Mary Kunesh-Podein at ERA Rally.jpg 1960– Standing Rock Lakota Democratic State representative (2017–2021)
State senator (2021–present)

Mississippi

NameImageLifeEthnicity
or tribe
PartyOffices held
Greenwood LeFlore Greewood-Leflore.jpg 1800–1865 Mississippi Choctaw Whig State representative, State senator (1841–1844)
Phillip Martin Phillip martin.jpg 1926–2010 Mississippi Choctaw Republican Tribal Chief of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians (1979–2007)

Montana

NameImageLifeEthnicity
or tribe
PartyOffices held
Dolly Akers 1901–1986 Assiniboine Democratic State representative, 1933–1934 [13]
Jade Bahr 1988– Northern Cheyenne [24] Democratic State representative, district 50 (2019–2021)
Barbara Bessette [25] Chippewa Cree [24] Democratic State representative, district 24 (2018–present)
Norma Bixby 1941– Northern Cheyenne Democratic State representative, district 41 (2000–2008) [26]
Margarett Campbell 1954– Assiniboine Democratic State representative, district 31 (2004–2011) [27]
Bill Eggers Crow Democratic State representative, district 6 (1998–2003) [26]
Bob Gervais 1931– Blackfeet Nation Democratic State representative (1989–1993) [28] [29]
George Heavy Runner 1955– Blackfeet Nation Democratic State representative, district 85 (1995–1998) [30]
Joey Jayne 1957– Navajo Democratic State representative, district 15 (2001–2009) [26]
Carol Juneau 1945– Mandan and Hidatsaa Democratic State representative (1998–2007); State senator (2007–2011) [26]
Denise Juneau Denise Juneau, Montana Superintendent of Public Instruction 5.3.2010.jpg 1967–Mandan and Hidatsaa Democratic Superintendent of Public Instruction (2009–2017)
Carolyn Pease–Lopez Crow Democratic State representative (2008–2016)
Leo Kennerly Jr. 1936–1980 Blackfeet Nation Democratic State representative (1977–1979) [31]
Roland Kennerly 1934–2004 Blackfeet Nation Democratic State representative (1981–1987) [29]
Gary Kimble 1942–2022 Gros Ventre Democratic State representative (1972–1978) [31]
George Kipp III Blackfeet Nation Democratic State representative (2015–2019)
G. Bruce Meyers 1948– Chippewa–Cree Republican State representative (2015–2017)
Shane Morigeau Morigeau blue3 (50081178788) (cropped).jpg 1984– Confederated Salish and Kootenai Democratic State representative (2017–2021)
State senator (2021–present)
Alvin Not Afraid Jr. Crow Republican Chairman of the Crow Nation (2016–present) [32]
Gerald Pease 1954– Crow [27] Democratic State representative (1997–1998); State senator, district 21 (2001–2009) [26]
Rae Peppers Northern Cheyenne Democratic State representative (2013–2021) [33]
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)
Angela Russell 1943– Crow Democratic State representative (1987–1995)
Jason Small Northern Cheyenne Republican State senator (2017–present)
Veronica Small-Eastman 1941– Crow Democratic State representative, district 42 (2002–2009) [27]
Frank Smith 1942– Assiniboine, Sioux [27] Democratic State representative (1998–2004, 2011–2013); State senator (2004–2009, 2017–2021)
Sharon Stewart–Peregoy 1953– Crow Democratic State senator (2009–2017)
State representative (2017–present)
Jay O. Stovall 1940–2011 Crow Republican State representative (1992–2000) [30]
Jean A. Turnage 1926–2015 Confederated Salish and Kootenai Republican State representative, State senator (1969–1983) [29]
Bill Whitehead 1939– Assiniboine, Sioux Democratic State representative (1997–1998) [34]
Lea Whitford Blackfeet Nation Democratic State senator (2015–present)
Marvin Weatherwax Jr. Blackfeet Nation [35] Democratic State representative, district 15 (2019–present)
Susan Webber Blackfeet Nation Democratic State representative (2015–present)
Jonathan Windy Boy Chippewa–Cree Democratic State representative (2002–2008); State senator (2008–present)
Bill Yellowtail 1948– Crow Democratic State senator (1985–1994) [28] [29]

Nebraska

NameImageLifeEthnicity
or tribe
PartyOffices held
Tom Brewer 1958– Oglala Republican State representative, District 43, 2017– [36]

Nevada

NameImageLifeEthnicity
or tribe
PartyOffices held
Dewey Sampson 1898–1982 Pyramid Lake Paiute Democratic State representative, District 1, 1938–1940 [37]
John Oceguera 1968– Walker River Paiute Democratic State representative, 2000–2012 [38]
Shea Backus 1975–Cherokee Democratic State representative, 2018–2020 [39]

New Mexico

NameImageLifeEthnicity
or tribe
PartyOffices held
Anthony Allison Navajo Democratic State representative, District 4 2019-present [40]
James D. Atcitty 1932–2014Navajo Democratic State representative, District 1 1964–1966 [41] [13]
Thomas Atcitty 1933–2020Navajo Democratic State representative, District 4, 1981–1995 [42]
Reginald A. Begaye c.1944Navajo Democratic State representative, 1979–1980 [43]
Wilbert C. Begay 1939–NavajoRepublicanState representative, District 1, 1966–1970 [44]
Ray Begaye 1954–Navajo Democratic State representative, District 4 [45] (1999–2013)
Patricia Roybal Caballero Piro-Manso-Tiwa [46] Democratic State representative (2013–present)
Jake C. Chee 1907–2014NavajoRepublicanState representative, District 1, 1966–1968 [44] [47]
Sharon Clahchischilliage NavajoRepublicanState representative, District 4, 2013–2018 [48]
Yvette Herrell Yvette Herrell official photo, 117th Congress.jpg 1964–CherokeeRepublicanState representative, District 51, 2011–2019.
Jack Jackson Sr. 1933– Navajo Democratic State representative [49]
Sandra D. Jeff Sandra Jeff at Navajo Nation presidential forum (cropped).jpg 1967/68–Navajo Democratic State representative, District 5 [48]
Doreen Wonda Johnson 1953–Navajo [50] Democratic State representative (2015–present)
Monroe Jymm 1933–1990Navajo Democratic State representative, District 1 1965–1967 [41] [13]
Tom Lee 1920–1986NavajoRepublicanState senator, District 3 1966–1978 [13]
Derrick Lente Sandia & Isleta Pueblo Democratic State representative, District 26 (2013–)
Georgene Louis Acoma Pueblo [51] Democratic State representative, District 26 (2013–2023)
Brenda McKenna Nambé Pueblo Democratic State senator, District 9 (2021-) [52]
Lynda Lovejoy 1949–Navajo Democratic State representative, State senator, District 22 (2007-2013), Public Regulation Commissioner [53]
James Madalena 1948– Jemez Pueblo [54] Democratic State representative (1985–2017)
Patricia A. Madrid 1994– Pueblo [55] Democratic
John Pinto John Pinto.jpg 1924–2019Navajo Democratic State senator, District 3, [48] 1977–2019
Shannon Pinto Navajo Democratic State senator, District 3 (2019–present)
Nick L. Salazar 1929–2020 Tewa (Ohkay Owingeh) [56] Democratic State representative, 40th District (1974–present)
Benny Shendo Jemez Pueblo [57] Democratic State senator (2013–present)
Albert Shirley c.1956Navajo Democratic State representative, District 6, 1985–1992 [58]
Leonard Tsosie 1955–Navajo Democratic State senator, District 22, 1993–2007 [59]
Leo C. Watchman 1937–1993Navajo Democratic State representative, 1968–1979, 1983–1993 [60]
Wendell Chino1923-1998Apache"Red Capitalism"President of Mescalero Apache Nation 1965-1998

North Carolina

NameImageLifeEthnicity
Tribe
PartyOffices held
Charles Graham CGraham.jpg 1951–Lumbee Democratic State representative, 2011–2023
Jarrod Lowery Rep. Jarrod Lowery.jpg 1988-Lumbee Republican State representative, 2023-present [61]
David T. McCoy DavidMcCoy.jpg 1952– Turtle Mountain Chippewa Democratic state public official, State Controller, State Budget Director, and Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Transportation
Henry Ward Oxendine Henry Ward Oxendine.jpg 1940–2020Lumbee Democratic State representative, 1973–1976 [62]
Ronnie N. Sutton 1941-Lumbee Democratic State representative, 1993-2011 [63]

North Dakota

NameImageLifeEthnicity
or tribe
PartyOffices held
Dennis Bercier 1952–2012 Turtle Mountain Ojibwe Democratic State senator, 1999-2005 [64] [65]
Ruth Buffalo Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation Democratic State representative
Dawn Marie Charging Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation Republican State representative, 2005–2007 [66] [64]
Daniel F. Jérome 1930– Métis/Ojibwe Democratic State senator, 1990–1994 [64] [67]
Les J. LaFountain Turtle Mountain Ojibwe Democratic State senator, 1997 [64] [68]
Richard Marcellais 1947– Turtle Mountain Ojibwe Democratic State senator
Joseph Menz 1883–1970 Standing Rock Sioux Republican State representative 1957–1963 [69]
Wayne Trottier Standing Rock Sioux Republican State representative
Arthur J. Raymond 1923–2009 Oglala Republican State representative, 1971–1975 [70] [64]

Oklahoma

NameImageLifeEthnicity
or tribe
PartyOffices held
Bill Anoatubby Gov Bill Anoatubby.jpg 1945– Chickasaw Nation Democratic Lieutenant governor in the administration of Chickasaw Governor Overton James (1979–1987); Governor of the Chickasaw Nation (1987-Present)
Gary Batton 20150408-RD-LSC-0164.jpg 1966– Choctaw Nation Republican Assistant Chief in the administration of Choctaw Chief Greg Pyle (2007–2014); Chief of the Choctaw Nation (2014-Present)
Jimmy Belvin 1900–1986 Choctaw Nation Democratic State representative, 20th district (1955–1961); State senator, 20th district (1955–1961)
Scott Bighorse c. 1956– Osage Nation Democratic State representative, 20th district (1961–1965)
Steve Burrage 1952– Choctaw Nation Democratic State Auditor (2008–2011); State Tax Commissioner (2014–present)
Sean Burrage President-Sean-Burrage.jpg 1968– Choctaw Nation Democratic Senate Minority leader (2012–2014; State senator (2006–2014); President of Southeastern Oklahoma State University (2014–2019)
Lisa Johnson Billy Lisa Johnson Billy.jpg 1967– Chickasaw Nation Republican State representative, 42nd district (2004–2016) [71]
Brian Bingman Brian Bingman (cropped).jpg 1953– Muscogee Creek Nation Republican State senator (2007–2016); State representative (2005–2007); 36th Secretary of State of Oklahoma (2020–2023)
Brad Boles Brad Boles.jpg 1983– Cherokee Nation Republican State representative (2018–present)
Chelsey Branham Chelsey-Branham.jpg Chickasaw Nation Democratic State representative (2018–2020)
Josh Brecheen Brecheen.jpg 1979– Choctaw Nation [72] Republican State senator (2010–2018)
Trey Caldwell Oklahoma State Representative Trey Caldwell.jpg 1988– Choctaw Nation Republican State representative (2019–present)
Bobby Cleveland 1943- Choctaw Nation Republican State representative (2012–2018)
Helen Cole 1922-2004 Chickasaw Nation Republican State representative (1979–1984) State senator (1984-1988, 1991-1996)
Tom Cole Rep-Tom-Cole-117thCong.jpeg 1949– Chickasaw Nation Republican 26th Secretary of State of Oklahoma (1995–1999)
Doug Cox 1952– Muscogee Creek Nation [73] Republican State representative (2005–2017)
Brad Carson Brad carson23.jpg 1967– Cherokee Nation Democratic United States House of Representatives (2001–2005), undersecretary of the Army (2014–15) and General Counsel of the Army (2012–2014)
William A. Durant William A. Durant 2.png 1866–1948 Choctaw Nation Democratic State representative (1907–1917);
Speaker of the Oklahoma House (1911–1913)
James Dyer 1887–1951 Choctaw Nation Democratic State representative (1946–1951) [74]
J. Gladstone Emery 1900–1978 Muscogee Creek Nation Democratic State senator (1947–1951) [74]
Rusty Farley 1953–2011 Cherokee Nation Republican State representative, 1st district (2011)
Scott Fetgatter Fetgatter, Scott.jpg 1968– Choctaw Nation Republican State representative, 16th district (2016–present)
Avery Frix Avery Carl Frix.jpg 1994– Choctaw Nation [72] Republican State representative (2017–2022)
William Fourkiller 1965– Cherokee Nation Democratic State representative (2010–2018)
Todd Gollihare Todd Gollihare.jpg 1964– Cherokee Nation Republican State Senator (2023-present)
Enoch Kelly Haney Artist kelly haney.jpg 1940–2022 Seminole Nation Democratic State representative (1980–1986), State senate (1986–2002)
David Hardin David Hardin.jpg Cherokee Nation Republican State representative (2018–present)
Keith Harper Ambassador Keith Harper in Geneva 2014.jpg 1940– Cherokee Nation Democratic U.S. representative to the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva (2014–2017)
Erick Harris Muscogee Creek Nation Republican State representative (2024–present)
LaDonna Harris LaDonnaHarris.png 1931– Comanche Nation Democratic Vice presidential candidate for the Citizens Party in the 1980 United States presidential election
Citizens
Benjamin F. Harrison Benjamin F. Harrison.png 1875–1936 Choctaw Nation Democratic State representative (1907–1910);
Oklahoma Secretary of State (1911–1915)
David Holt Mayor Holt at 2019 OKC Dodgers Season Opener (cropped).jpg 1979– Osage Nation Republican State senator (2010–2018)
Mayor of Oklahoma City (2018–)
Chuck Hoskin Chuck Hoskin.jpg 1952– Cherokee Nation Democratic State representative, 6th district (2007–2019)
Shane Jett Shane Jett.jpg 1974– Cherokee Nation Republican State representative (2004–2010); Presidential Appointee Community Development Advisory Board (2017–present); State senator (2021–present)
Fred Jordan Jordan,Fred.jpg 1974– Cherokee Nation Republican State representative (2007–2015)
Dan Kirby 1946– Muscogee Creek Nation [75] Republican State representative (2009–2017)
Richard Lerblance Muscogee Creek Nation Democratic State senator (2003–2012)
State representative (2002–2003)
Ken Luttrell Ken Luttrell.jpg 1953– Cherokee Nation Democratic State representative (2007–present)
Republican
Wilma Mankiller Wilma Mankiller 1998 (cropped).jpg 1945–2010 Cherokee Nation Democratic First woman elected to serve as Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation (1985–1995)
Al McAffrey Rep. Al McAffrey.jpg 1948– Choctaw Nation Democratic State representative [71] (2007–2015)
Mark McBride McBride, Mark.jpg 1961– Citizen Potawatomi Republican State representative (2012–present)
Neal McCaleb Neal McCaleb.jpg 1935– Chickasaw Nation Republican State representative (1975–1983), Oklahoma Secretary of Transportation (1995–2001)
Green McCurtain Greenwood mccurtain.jpg 1848–1910 Choctaw Nation Republican Vice President of the Sequoyah Constitutional Convention, 1905
Curtis McDaniel CurtisMcDaniel.jpg 1952– Cherokee Nation Democratic State representative (2012–2014)
Skye McNiel 1978– Muscogee Creek Nation Republican State representative, 29th district [71] (2007–2013)
Jerry McPeak Jerry McPeak at USDA CNAFR meeting.jpg 1946– Muscogee Creek Nation Democratic State representative (2005–2016)
Johnston Murray Johnston Murray.jpg 1902–1974Of Chickasaw descent
Not a registered member
Democratic Governor (1951–1955)
Republican
Harriet Wright O'Leary Harriet O'Leary.png 1916–1999 Choctaw Nation Republican First woman elected to the Choctaw Tribal Council
Mike Osburn Osburn, Mike.jpg 1968– Cherokee Nation Republican State representative (2016–present)
John Pfeiffer Pfeiffer, John.jpg 1986– Cherokee Nation Republican State representative (2014–present)
Anastasia Pittman Anastasia Pittman.jpg 1970– Seminole Nation Democratic State representative (2007–2013), State senator (2014–2018)
Ajay Pittman Ajay Pittman.jpg 1993– Seminole Nation Democratic State representative (2019–present)
Hollis E. Roberts 1943–2011 Choctaw Nation Democratic State representative (1975–1979)
Seneca Scott Seneca Scott.jpg 1977– Choctaw Nation [75] Democratic State representative (2008–2016)
Ally Seifried Ally Seifried.jpg 1992- Cherokee Nation Republican State senator (2023-present)
Dustin Roberts Dustin Roberts.jpg Choctaw Nation Republican State representative (2010–present)
T. W. Shannon Speaker Shannon.jpg 1978– Chickasaw Nation Republican State representative (2007–2015);
Speaker of the Oklahoma House (2013–2014)
Jerry Shoemake 1943– Cherokee Nation Democratic State representative (2005–2016)
Ralph Shortey Ralph Shortey.jpg 1982– Rosebud Lakota Republican State representative (2011–2017)
John Sparks Sen John Sparks.jpg Cherokee Nation Democratic State senator (2006–2018)
William G. Stigler STIGLER, William Grady.jpg 1891–1952 Choctaw Nation Democratic State senator (1924–1932)
Kevin Stitt Kevin Stitt (52251950006) (cropped).jpg 1972– Cherokee Nation Republican Governor (2019–present)
Daniel Sullivan 1963– Choctaw Nation Republican State representative (2004–2011)
Amanda Swope Amanda Swope.jpg 1988– Muscogee Creek Nation Democratic State representative (2022–present)
Houston B. Teehee Houston B. Teehee.jpg 1874–1953 Cherokee Nation Democratic Mayor of Tahlequah (1907–1909)
State representative (1910–1914)
Kimberly Teehee Barack Obama and Kimberly Teehee, 2012-04-27 (cropped) (cropped).jpg 1968– Cherokee Nation Democratic White House Senior Policy Advisor for Native American Affairs (2009–2012)
Bob A. Trent 1913–1992 Choctaw Nation Democratic State representative, state senator [74]
Mark Vancuren Mark Vancuren.jpg 1964– Cherokee Nation Republican State representative (2018–present)
Paul Wesselhoft 1947– Citizen Potawatomi Republican State representative (2005–2017)
Collin Walke Walke, Collin.jpg 1982– Cherokee Nation Democratic State representative (2016–2023)
Cory Williams Cory Williams.jpg Cherokee Nation Democratic State representative (2009–2019)
Tom Woods Tom Woods.jpg 1994- Chickasaw Nation Republican State senator (2023-present)

Oregon

NameImageLifeEthnicity
or tribe
PartyOffices held
Jackie Taylor 1935–2008 Potawatomi Democratic State representative (1991–2001)
Tawna Sanchez 1961– Shoshone, Bannock, Ute Democratic State representative (2017–present)

Pennsylvania

NameImageLifeEthnicity
or tribe
PartyOffices held
Barbara Smith 1950– Sac and Fox Nation Democratic State representative (2006–2010)

South Carolina

NameImageLifeEthnicity
or tribe
PartyOffices held
Fawn Pedalino RepFawn.jpg 1987– Natchez-Kusso Republican State representative (2023-present)

South Dakota

NameImageLifeEthnicity
or tribe
PartyOffices held
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)
Jim Emery 1934–2021 Cheyenne River Sioux Republican State representative (1985–1986), State senator (1986–1996)
Pat Flynn 1922–1979Lakota Republican State senator (1971–1973) [76]
Red Dawn Foster Oglala Sioux/Navajo Democratic State representative (2019 –present)
Troy Heinert 1972 – Rosebud Lakota 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 Tamara 2022 Headshot.jpg 1966 – Dakota Sioux Republican State representative (2019 – )
Kevin Killer 1979 – Oglala Sioux Democratic State representative (2009–2017), State senator (2017–2019)
Steve Livermont 1955 – Oglala Sioux Republican State representative (2017–2021)
Ellis T. Peirce 1846–1926 Oglala Sioux Republican State representative (1903–1904) [77]
Peri Pourier Oglala Sioux Democratic State representative (2019-present)
Thomas Short Bull 1946– Oglala Sioux Democratic State senator (1983–1988) [76]
Theresa Two Bulls 1949–2020 Oglala Sioux Democratic State senator (2005–2009)
Paul Valandra 1953– Rosebud Lakota Democratic State representative (1991–2000), State senator (2001–2006)
Tom Van Norman 1964– Cheyenne River Sioux Democratic State representative (2000–2008) [78]
Ron J. Volesky 1954– Hunkpapa [79] Republican State representative (1981–1986, 1993–2000), State senator (2001–2002)
Democratic
Bruce Whalen Oglala Sioux Republican Oglala Sioux tribal administrator, former chair of the Oglala Lakota County Republican Party and nominee for South Dakota's at-large congressional district in 2006

Tennessee

NameImageLifeEthnicity
or tribe
PartyOffices held
Bryan Terry 1968– Choctaw Nation Republican State representative (2015–present)

Utah

NameImageLifeEthnicity
or tribe
PartyOffices held
Angela Romero Angela Romero, 2017-03-08, IMG 0409 (33198515501, cropped).jpg Assiniboine Democratic State representative (2013–present)

Washington

NameImageLifeEthnicity
or tribe
PartyOffices held
George Adams 1880–1954 Skokomish Democratic State representative (1933–1939), (1945–1954)
W. Ron Allen 1947—S'KlallamTribal Chairmen (1977-present), NCAI treasurer and president,
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 Dino Rossi (cropped).jpg 1959– Tlingit Republican State senator (1997–2003, 2012, 2017); 2004 and 2008 Republican nominee for Governor
Chris Stearns Navajo Nation Democratic State senator (1985–1993), State representative (2022- )
Lois Stratton 1927–2020 Spokane Democratic State senator (1985–1993), State representative (1980–1985)
John Tennant 1830–1893 Quapaw Territorial representative (1858–1860)

Wyoming

NameImageLifeEthnicity
or tribe
PartyOffices held
W. Patrick Goggles 1952– Arapaho Democratic State representative (2004–2015)
Affie Ellis Affie Ellis.jpg 1979/1980– Navajo Republican State senator (2017–present)
Andi LeBeau Arapaho Democratic State representative (2019–2023)
Scott Ratliff 1943– Eastern Shoshone Democratic State representative (1980–1992) [76]

Municipal offices

Arizona

California

Idaho

Maine

Minnesota

New Mexico

Oklahoma

Utah

Washington

Wisconsin

Other offices

Related Research Articles

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