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Advance Native Political Leadership
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RESEARCH

At Advance, our work is grounded in a commitment to the future of Native leadership and self-determination. In order to elect more Native leaders and build lasting political power, we need to understand who we are as Native people—our identities, our experiences, and the barriers we continue to face in systems that weren’t built for us.

Our research is designed by and for Indigenous communities. It helps fill critical gaps in knowledge, visibility, and representation—centering data that reflects our lived realities. From voter behavior and candidate trends to message testing and civic participation, these findings are a tool for strengthening Native leadership at every level of government—and for shaping a future rooted in sovereignty, belonging, and power.

May, 2025

Indigenous Voices Rising:

National Survey Report

Understanding the full complexity of Native political identities

Advance partnered with Lake Research Partners and Two Feathers Consulting to survey 1,000 Native American/American Indian, Native Hawaiian, and Alaska Native adults nationwide to understand the full diversity of Native communities, analyzing results in terms of age, income, gender, sexual identity, political party affiliation, residential location, and much more. Published May 2025.

Identity & Demographics |

Policy & Issues |

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June, 2023

2022 General Election Report:

State of representation

The 2022 general election marked a historic milestone for Native representation in U.S. politics — becoming the most successful election cycle for Indian Country on record. At least 161 Native candidates ran for office across 22 states, representing 71 Tribal Nations and demonstrating the growing power and presence of Indigenous leadership at every level of government. Published June 2023.

Elections & Outcomes |

Data Analysis |

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October, 2016

Political Power:

Addressing the strengths, structural barriers, and opportunities to getting Native Americans into elected leadership

A landscape analysis of leadership pathways

This foundational report explores the opportunities and challenges surrounding Native American representation in elected office. Based on interviews with Native leaders from across the country, the report highlights the unique strengths Native leaders bring, the systemic barriers they face, and key recommendations to increase Native representation in public leadership. Published October 2016.

Identity & Demographics |

Barriers & Opportunities |

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