In 1965, Russell participated in theSelma to Montgomery marches.[3] While attendingMontana State University she served as executive secretary of the Northwest Regional Indian Youth Conference.[4][1] In 1972, Russell was elected to the Crow Tribe's health, education, and welfare committee from the off-reservation district with 14 votes.[5]
In 1986, Russell filed to run for the Democratic nomination for a seat in theMontana House of Representatives from the 99th district.[8] During the primary Patrick Hill, her only opponent, withdrew while incumbent Representative Ramona Howe chose to not seek reelection.[9] She won in the general election against Republican nominee Reinhold Jabs.[10]
On March 4, 1988, Russell filed to run for reelection to the Montana House of Representatives and won in the general election without opposition.[11][12] In 1990, she filed for reelection and defeated Republican nominee Ellis Murdock in the general election.[13][14] On March 18, 1992, she filed for reelection and defeated Republican nominee Murdock in the general election.[15][16]
On March 23, 1994, Russell filed to run for a seat in theMontana Senate from the 3rd district, but was defeated in the general election by Republican nominee Reiny Jabs.[17][18][19]
During the 1987–1989 session of the Montana House of Representatives Russell served on the Natural Resources, and Human Service and Aging committees.[20] In 1988, she was appointed to serve as the chair of the Labor committee.[21]
In 1989, she became the chair of the Democratic Women's Caucus in the Montana House of Representatives.[22] In 1994, she was appointed as one of eighteen members of the Montana Human Rights Advisory Council by GovernorMarc Racicot.[23]
Legislation to designate English as the official language of Montana was introduced in 1987. Russell criticized the legislation stating that "native peoples perceive it as racist" and that for Native Americans "our language is the conduit, the lifeblood of our history".[24] In 1991, she introducedlegislation to create aholiday to honorMartin Luther King Jr.[25]
From 2004 to 2009, Angela served as a Crow Tribal Court Judge.[2] In 2015, Russell was appointed by GovernorSteve Bullock to the Montana Board of Crime Control.[26] In 2019, she was appointed to the Montana Board of Crime Control by Bullock.[27]
