In Kansas, Sharice Davids, a member of the Ho-Chunk Nation tribe, and Laguna Pueblo tribe member Deb Haaland in New Mexico became the first two Native Americans elected to Congress. Davids, a lesbian, defeated four-term Republican incumbent U.S. Rep. Kevin Yoder in Kansas.
Deb Haaland said, "Seventy years ago, Native Americans right here in New Mexico couldn't vote...Growing up in my mother's pueblo household and as a 35th generation New Mexican, I never imagined a world where I would be represented by someone who looks like me. Tonight, New Mexico, you are sending one of the very first Native American women to Congress."