Members of the Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma elected Bill John Baker as principal chief, according to unofficial results.

Baker defeated incumbent Chad Smith by just 11 votes. The tally was 7,600 to 7,589.

“I’m humbled and honored to be the new chief of the Cherokee Nation,” Baker said on Facebook. “Wado to my supporters; your prayers and work made the difference. “

Smith, who has served three terms, thanked the tribe's election commission for their work. But he indicated he will request a recount due to the tight margin.

Baker did not run with a deputy chief candidate. Smith’s running mate, Chris Soap, and Joe Crittenden were the top vote-getters in a four-way race but neither received the majority of the vote so a run-off will be held July 23.

Smith, who is prominent in national Indian circles, ran for a fourth term despite the presence of a two-term limit in the tribal constitution. He argued in tribal court that the limit was imposed after he started his second term so he said it didn't apply to his first two terms.

Get the Story:
Cherokee Nation elects new leader in close race (AP 6/26)
Baker wins chief race (The Tahlequah Daily Press 6/26)
Bill John Baker elected Principal Chief by slim margin (The Tulsa World 6/26)

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