First American Indian Woman To Hold Statewide Office

Peggy Flanagan: Minnesota's Trailblazing Lieutenant Governor

First American Indian Woman to Hold Statewide Office

Peggy Flanagan, a member of the White Earth Band of Ojibwe, made history as the first American Indian woman to hold statewide office in Minnesota in 2018. Prior to that, she was the first woman of color to serve as Hennepin County Commissioner.

Personal Life

Flanagan was previously married to Tim Hellendrung, with whom she has a daughter. She recently tied the knot with former Minnesota Public Radio host Tom Weber over the weekend.

Political Career

Flanagan has been a prominent figure in Minnesota politics for several years. In her current role as lieutenant governor, she serves alongside Governor Tim Walz. Vice President Kamala Harris announced Walz as her running mate in the 2020 presidential election, which would have made Flanagan the first American Indian lieutenant governor in the nation.