Native News
Upcoming Native Bidaské: Native Political Representation and the 2026 Midterm Elections with Gwen Carr
With the 2026 midterm elections approaching, Native voters and candidates could play an important role in shaping the political landscape and decisions affecting Tribal Nations and Native communities.
On Friday, Oct. 30, Native News Online host Levi Rickert will speak with Gwen Carr on Native Bidaské about Native political representation, voting rights and the importance of civic participation ahead of Election Day.
Carr worked in intergovernmental affairs at the White House during the Clinton administration and served as the first national Native American political director for the Democratic National Committee. She also helped establish the party’s Native American Caucus, bringing together tribal leaders, urban Native communities and political organizers to strengthen Native participation in the political process.
During the conversation, Carr reflects on the decades of organizing that have helped expand Native representation in government. She discusses how tribal leaders, Native activists and community organizers have worked to build political influence and encourage Native people to participate in elections at the local, state and federal levels.
The discussion comes during an election season in which hundreds of Native candidates are seeking public office. Native candidates are running in races across the country, including contests for Congress, statewide offices and local government positions.
For Carr, participation in the political process is closely connected to ensuring Native people have a voice in decisions that affect their communities. She discusses the importance of Native voters understanding the issues at stake and recognizing the potential influence of their participation.
Rickert and Carr also discuss the growing presence of Native women in politics and the significance of Native candidates seeking leadership positions at a time when federal and state policy decisions continue to shape Indian Country.
Watch Native Bidaské on Friday, Oct. 30, at 12 p.m. ET on Facebook, YouTube, NativeNewsOnline.net, and TikTok.
The post Upcoming Native Bidaské: Native Political Representation and the 2026 Midterm Elections with Gwen Carr appeared first on Native News Online.