Former Navajo Nation Chair and Congressional Candiate Jonathan Nez, photo by Wikuser 159597
Two Navajo candidates lost their runs for Congress in 2024. Jonathan Nez, a Democrat, ran for Arizona’s Congressional District 2, and Sharon Clahchischilliage, Republican, lost her bid for New Mexico’s District 3.
Both Nez and Clahchischilliage have deep roots in their Navajo communities. Nez is a former Chairman of the Navajo Nation and Clachischilliage resides in the Navajo nation community of San Juan.
Jonathan Nez lost with only 45.4% of the vote. His opponent, the incumbent Eli Crane, won54.6%, retaking Arizona’s District 2.
Sharon Clahchischilliage gained a similar 44% of votes for New Mexico’s 3rd District, losing to the Democrat Teresa Leger Fernandez, who won 56%.
Arizona’s ballot measure to guarantee abortion rights in the state constitution, a “left” issue, won with 61.6%; but the police won the right to arrest immigrants who enter the U.S. illegally, a traditional “right-wing” issue, won with 62.6%.
Former President Trump won 52.2% of Arizona’s popular votes, giving him all of Arizona’s 11 electoral votes. Vice President Harris won New Mexico with 52% of the popular vote.
Sources:
Kadin Mills, Indian Country Today, “Nez, Clahchischilliage, Among 11 Indigenous Candidates Eyeing House Seats,” Navajo-Hopi Observer, October 24, 2024
Associated Press, apnews.com
NPR, apps.npr.com
New Mexico Secretary of State, electionresults.sos.nm.gov
