Native Americans are running for office in record numbers

The Hill: Native Americans are running for office in record numbers

By Aris Folley

Native Americans are running for office in record-breaking numbers this election cycle.

According a report published by NPR News on Wednesday, as many as 10 Native American candidates will be on this fall’s congressional ballot, which is reportedly twice as many than 2016.

More Native Americans are running for lieutenant governor positions this year alone, reportedly six candidates, than the total number who ran for statewide offices in 2016. 

There are two Native American candidates, one running on behalf of the Democratic Party and another running as a Republican, vying for the same office in Oklahoma. 

Currently, there are just two Native Americans serving in the House of Representatives.

The report arrives as more minorities and women are showing interest in running for public office.

EMILYs List, a group that works to elect women who support abortion rights, said it has heard from more than 36,000 women who are interested in running in this year's election cycle. 

More LGBTQ candidates, mostly Democrats, are also running for public office in this year’s election cycle than ever before.