Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris has hired Jade Begay as its Native American Engagement Director, according to advocates.
Begay is from the Pueblo of Tesuque and the Navajo Nation. Her position was announced by Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan (D) in a post on social media on September 24, 2024.
"Jade is one of the most effective advocates and organizers I know," said Flanagan, a citizen of the White Earth Nation who is the highest-ranking Native woman in state executive office. "We’ve got your back for the next 42 days, sister!"
Natives for Harris, a group supporting the Democratic presidential candidate, also said Begay has joined the campaign. "She brings a solid mix of experience to the role," a post on social media stated, citing the Native American Engagement Director's work on environmental justice and tribal sovereignty.
The Harris campaign did not return a request for comment, placed September 16, 2024, about its Native outreach efforts and about the hiring of Begay. The campaign has not publicly discussed the Native American Engagement Director as of September 25, 2024.
Begay, who is from New Mexico, shared Flanagan's and the Natives for Harris social media posts announcing her position on her own account. "My new role just dropped," she wrote via the Stories function on Instagram.
The New Mexico Democratic Party also was contacted on September 16, 2024, about Begay. The party did not respond to the inquiry.