Deb Haaland is one step closer to becoming the first Native American congresswoman in U.S. history. She won her New Mexico primary Tuesday night in a district that leans blue and is currently held by a retiring Democrat.
In an interview with ABC, Haaland said, “In 230 years, there’s never been a Native American woman in Congress. I have never seen myself in that body of our government. Ten years ago, when I was out in Indian country knocking on doors and driving folks to the polls, I never thought I would run for Congress.”
Haaland is a member of the Pueblo of Laguna Native American tribe and both her parents are veterans. Her father is buried in Arlington cemetery.
When Haaland’s victory was announced, however, commenters on Twitter could not help themselves but poke fun at another “Native American” congresswoman, Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren. Warren infamously claimed Native American heritage on numerous college applications. When confronted over proof of the claim, she said her family has “high cheekbones, like all of the Indians do.”
Commenters on twitter asked if Warren will take offense to the headlines touting that Haaland will be the first Native American congresswoman.
“Excuse me?” – @SenWarren https://t.co/4JvEULkI6j
— Stephen Miller (@redsteeze) June 6, 2018
But what about @SenWarren! https://t.co/K96ksVQ6rF
— Erielle Davidson (@politicalelle) June 6, 2018
Won’t Elizabeth Warren be mad. https://t.co/2zsT9Ev7Ik
— T. Becket Adams (@BecketAdams) June 6, 2018
This marks the official end of any aspirations for an Elizabeth Warren presidential run. https://t.co/9kuxpJVYtG
— Poli Sci Guy (@poli_guy) June 6, 2018
*Elizabeth Warren slinks off into a secluded forest and weeps https://t.co/nJ8wLaAyQB
— Chet Cannon (@Chet_Cannon) June 6, 2018
Ouch.
Warren has been mocked for the claim ever since and is regularly called “Pocahontas” by President Trump.