Deb Haaland makes history as first Native American woman elected governor

Deb Haaland became the first Native American woman to win a governorship after she defeated Republican Gregg Hull in New Mexico in Tuesday’s mid-term elections.

A member of the Laguna Pueblo tribe, Haaland has longstanding ties to New Mexico, where Indigenous communities make up around 12 per cent of the population.

During her campaign, she spoke about the rising cost of living, access to healthcare and problems within the state’s child welfare system. She also criticised President Donald Trump’s policies, referring to her experience opposing his administration during her time in Congress.

Haaland will succeed fellow Democrat Michelle Lujan Grisham, who is barred from seeking another term under state law.