Navajo presidential race draws several candidates so far
(Jon Austria | The Daily Times | The Associated Press) In this July 20, 2015 file photo, Navajo Nation President Russell Begaye talks with community members during a public meeting in Shiprock, N.M. The top two leaders on the Navajo Nation say recent suicides in communities affected by a mine spill have shaken reservation towns to their core.
Window Rock, Ariz. • Navajo President Russell Begaye has joined a handful of others in submitting paperwork for the tribe’s top elected post.
Begaye filed late Tuesday but says he’s not made a final decision to enter the presidential race.
The race typically is crowded with candidates touting plans to improve the economy, infrastructure and roads, and focus on veterans and the youth.
Emily Ellison, Nicholas Taylor and tribal lawmaker Tom Chee were the first to file.
Ellison works for the University of New Mexico in Gallup. Taylor is an investment adviser from Klagetoh, Ariz.
Former Chief Justice Tom Tso and former vice presidential candidate Dineh Benally also are seeking the post.
The deadline to file is May 30.
The top two vote-getters in the Aug. 28 primary advance to the Nov. 6 general election.
For over 150 years, The Salt Lake Tribune has been Utah’s independent news source. Our reporters work tirelessly to uncover the stories that matter most to Utahns, from unraveling the complexities of court rulings to allowing tax payers to see where and how their hard earned dollars are being spent. This critical work wouldn’t be possible without people like you—individuals who understand the importance of local, independent journalism. As a nonprofit newsroom, every subscription and every donation fuels our mission, supporting the in-depth reporting that shines a light on the is sues shaping Utah today.
You can help power this work.
Donate to the newsroom now. The Salt Lake Tribune, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity and contributions are tax deductible