Montana’s American Indian Caucus is set to reach a historic milestone following the November 3rd general election, with at least 14 Native American lawmakers expected to serve during the state’s 2027 legislative session, making it the largest Native legislative caucus in Montana history.
The milestone represents an increase from the 12 Native lawmakers who served in the 2025 Legislature and reflects the growing presence of Indigenous voices in state government.
According to reporting by Nora Mabie of Montana Free Press, several incumbent Native lawmakers secured reelection while new candidates won seats in both the Montana House of Representatives and Senate.
Native Candidates Secure Legislative Victories
Among the election results was American Indian Caucus Chair Tyson Running Wolf, a member of the Blackfeet Nation, who won his race for state Senate after previously serving in the House.
Other returning lawmakers who won their races include Representatives Jade Sooktis (Northern Cheyenne), Donavon Hawk (Crow), Shelly Fyant (Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes), Thedis Crowe (Blackfeet), Sidney “Chip” Fitzpatrick (Crow), and Mike Fox (Aaniiih), along with Senator Shane Morigeau (Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes).
The caucus will also welcome several new members.
Katie Fire Thunder (Oglala Lakota), appointed to the Montana House in December after a legislative vacancy, won her first election to the seat.
Natalie O’Neal (Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes) and Lona Running Wolf (Blackfeet) won their House races unopposed. Lona Running Wolf is the wife of newly elected Senator Tyson Running Wolf.
Erin Farris-Olsen, a citizen of the Brothertown Indian Nation, also won her state Senate race against a Libertarian challenger.
Other Native legislators whose terms continue into 2027 include Senators Jacinda Morigeau (Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes) and Jonathan Windy Boy (Chippewa Cree Tribe).
Building on Previous Legislative Accomplishments
The American Indian Caucus is an organized group of Native American state lawmakers who collaborate on legislation affecting tribal nations and Indigenous communities.
During the 2025 legislative session, the 12-member caucus, composed entirely of Democrats, advanced several measures addressing issues important to Indian Country.
Reported accomplishments included legislation establishing Indigenous Peoples’ Day in Montana, strengthening the state’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Advisory Council, and creating additional accountability measures for state investments in Indigenous education.
These efforts reflect the caucus’s focus on tribal sovereignty, public safety, education, and recognizing Native histories and cultures.
Growing Native Representation in Government
The expansion of Montana’s American Indian Caucus reflects decades of increasing Native participation in state politics.
According to Montana Free Press, Montana had just one Native American legislator in 1995. By 2019, that number had grown to 11, representing approximately 7.3% of the Legislature.
With at least 14 members expected in 2027, the caucus will have its largest representation to date.
The milestone comes amid broader gains in Native political representation across the country, including the historic election of White Earth Nation citizen Peggy Flanagan to the U.S. Senate.
As Montana’s newly elected lawmakers prepare for the 2027 legislative session, the expanded caucus will bring additional Native perspectives to discussions and decisions affecting tribal nations and communities statewide.
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