Phillip Martin, the longtime chief of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, was defeated after more than 30 years in office.
Martin lost to challenger Beasley Denson by 211 votes, according to the tribal election committee. The results are to be certified on Friday.
Martin led the tribe through an economic boom but faced questions about his relationship with convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff. He also is under scrutiny for seeking an off-reservation casino.
Denson, a former vice chef, ran on a campaign of change and accountability.
Get the Story:
Denson outpolls Martin by 211 votes to win Tribal chief race (The Neshoba Democrat 7/5)
Tribe poised for new chief (The Jackson Clarion-Ledger 7/5)
Denson may be new Choctaw chief (The Biloxi Sun-Herald 7/5)
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Relevant Links:
Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians - http://www.choctaw.org
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