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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.

October, 2025

2024 General Election Report:

Native Power on the Ballot

The 2024 general election set a new record for Native representation in U.S. politics, with at least 253 Native candidates running for office — the highest number in history. These candidates represented 113 Tribal Nations across 25 states, signaling a powerful shift toward greater Indigenous leadership at all levels of government. Published June 2025.

Elections & Outcomes |

Data Analysis |

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September, 2025

Native Leaders in Focus:

Exploring the Impact of Messages Highlighting Native Leadership

Developed in partnership with GrowProgress, this report shows how messages from trusted Native leaders can inspire greater participation in U.S. democracy. Published June 2025.

Identity & Demographics |

Messages & Impact |

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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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April, 2025

Representing Ourselves:

The State of Native American Representation in the United States

Native leaders making meaningful change

This report provides an overview of how much we have accomplished as a community in terms of increasing Native representation, and how far we have to go, with variance across states, regions, positions, and types of political institutions. We profile 18 Native leaders across all levels and branches of government, exploring the meaningful policy changes they have advanced for their communities. Published April 2025.

Data Analysis |

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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