Country sees high number of Native American candidates

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) – Deb Haaland is not the first Native American woman to run for Congress, but she could be one of the first elected Tuesday.
More than 100 Native Americans are seeking seats in Congress, Governor’s offices, state legislatures, and other posts. Political observers say it’s been a record year for the candidates.
The uptick comes amid the #MeToo movement and as the President’s administration has taken stances that tribes say attack their status as sovereign nations.
The editor of Indian Country Today, Mark Trahant, has been tracking the Native American candidates. On Election Day, he’ll co-host a program focusing on the candidates that will be broadcast online, as well as on television and radio.
If elected, Haaland, a member of Laguna Pueblo in New Mexico, says she’d ensure her colleagues recognize the disparities in Indian County and listen to tribal leaders.