Securing a reflective democracy for all Americans

Increasing Native American representation in elected office is essential to achieving a reflective democracy—one that draws on the leadership, knowledge, and experiences of Native peoples and responds to the priorities of Native communities. To build that future, we must first understand the current landscape of opportunities and challenges.

This research brief provides a foundational look at Native representation in government, based on nearly 50 interviews and a focus group with Native and non-Native elected officials, candidates, campaign managers, organizers, and advocates across the country. It explores:

• The unique strengths and assets Native candidates bring to public leadership
• The structural barriers they face in running for and winning elected office
• Recommendations for increasing Native representation at every level of government

Complex historical and contemporary factors, affecting the level and depth of engagement of Native Americans in the political system, contribute to drastic underrepresentation as elected leaders at every level of government.

Key takeaways

While there are promising efforts underway—including recruitment programs, successful voting rights litigation, and growing presence in political parties—significant barriers persist. These include voter suppression, racism and implicit bias, limited candidate pipelines, and a lack of accessible Native voter engagement data. This brief lays the groundwork for action and investment toward a future where Native leadership is no longer the exception but the norm.

At a glance: Native leaders in office (2015)

Publish Date: October 2016.