Democratic candidate Deb Haaland has made history in the US midterm elections by becoming the first Native American woman elected governor of a US state.
The 65-year-old defeated her Republican opponent, Greg Hill, in a landmark victory. The Associated Press projected her win while votes were still being counted.
Haaland belongs to the Laguna Pueblo tribe. She previously served as US Secretary of the Interior under former President Joe Biden, becoming the first Native American woman to lead a federal department and serve in the US Cabinet.
During her election campaign, Haaland spoke openly about the personal challenges she faced throughout her life. She recalled struggling to access healthcare support through the Medicaid programme while raising a child as a single mother. At the age of 30, she decided to pursue a legal education, setting herself on a new professional path.
She has also spoken publicly about her struggle with alcohol use. Haaland said she began making changes in her life after deciding at the age of 23 to live free from addiction.
Her political career has included several historic milestones. In 2018, she and Sharice Davids of Kansas became the first Native American women elected to the US Congress.
According to the report, this year's midterm elections also saw a record number of Native American candidates. Data from the relevant political leadership organisations indicated that more than 225 Native American candidates were contesting elections across 30 states.
Haaland's election is being viewed as a significant milestone for Native American political representation and a historic moment in American politics.
