In the months that have followed, as the presidential election race has continued to accelerate, Flanagan has continued this intentional approach to dressing for the campaign trail. Whether speaking at rallies or canvassing for citizens to get out and vote, Flanagan has been using what she wears for a much deeper purpose—to draw attention to some of the nation’s finest Indigenous designers, and on a larger level, to draw awareness to the Indigenous community as a whole. (In certain swing states, such as Arizona, the Indigenous vote is crucial.)
It’s no secret that what politicians wear in the public domain is always strategic. Whereas Kamala Harris and Dr. Jill Biden have both embraced patriotic style—keeping to classic shades of red, white, and blue to demonstrate their love for their country—Flanagan has chosen colorful garments, including traditional ribbon skirts, as well as statement earrings (her signature piece) made of dentalium shells, beads, or turquoise; She has taken a distinctive approach that champions the unique beauty and craftwork found within her own Native community. The celebratory and upbeat feel of her ensembles is also fitting given that, if Walz is elected as vice president this week, Flanagan will assume her new role as the Governor of Minnesota—thus making history as the first Indigenous woman to become Governor in the country. What she has worn thus has has nodded to this potentially historic moment.