Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez announces new running mate
Channel: indianz
Date: 2022-08-08

Jonathan Nez announces Chad Abeyta as his running mate on August 8, 2022, as the incumbent president of the Navajo Nation seeks another term in office.

Abeyta, 33, is a veteran who hails from the New Mexico portion of the Navajo Nation. He served in the U.S. Air Force and has worked for his tribe following his receipt of a bachelor's degree at the University of New Mexico and after completing his master's of law from the University of Arizona’s James E. Rogers College of Law.

“I am honored to be selected as a candidate for Vice President of the Navajo Nation. My wife and I are evidence of President Nez’s commitment to bring our young Navajo people home to serve and become leaders. My family and I are here today to join President Nez, First Lady, and the team to continue that mission for the Navajo Nation and our people. President Jonathan Nez has demonstrated outstanding leadership, especially during this unprecedented time as he continually works and advocates for the best interest of the Navajo people. My family and I look forward to taking on the challenge of serving all Navajo people,” said Abeyta.

Abeyta was introduced at a campaign event at the Window Rock Tribal Park & Veteran's Memorial in Window Rock, Arizona, the capital of the Navajo Nation. He was joined by his wife, Paulene, their children and other members of their family.

“Chad and Paulene were raised by strong parents and grandparents and they now raise their own children with the same love and compassion that they were raised with. They worked hard to earn their law degrees and they immediately returned home to help our people the past few years. They are involved at the community level and they have professional experience with the Navajo Nation that will serve the Navajo people well. My wife, Phefelia, and I are excited and looking forward to building on the success of the first term in office alongside Chad and Paulene. With his upbringing, faith, military service, education, professional experience, and family, Chad will serve our people with great honor and love,” said Nez.

Nez is serving his first term as president of the Navajo Nation, based on the largest reservation in the United States. He previously served as vice president of the tribe before winning election in 2018, taking office in January 2019.

Nez's selection of Abeyta as his new running mate confirms the exit of Myron Lizer, the current vice president, from the president's political efforts.

Earlier in 2022, Lizer announced his intent to run for a seat in the U.S. Congress as a Republican in Arizona. His candidacy did not receive enough support to secure a spot on the ballot.

During that time, Lizer took steps to distance his social media profile from his position as vice president of the Navajo Nation.

Nez came in first in the presidential primary that took place on August 2, according to the unofficial results. He will face Buu Nygren in the general election on November 8.

The vice presidential position is not a separately elected office on the Navajo Nation.

Video Source: Jonathan Nez for President, Nez for Prez 2.0

Note: Introduction features photo of Window Rock Tribal Park & Veteran's Memorial by Alan English CPA (CC BY-NC 2.0):
https://www.flickr.com/photos/alanenglish/52106355904/

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