Tribal leaders are endorsing Ann Kirkpatrick, the Democratic candidate Arizona's 1st Congressional District.

Navajo Nation President Joe Shirley Jr., San Carlos Apache Tribe Chairman Wendsler Nosie and White Mountain Apache Tribe Chairman Ronnie Lupe say Kirkpatrick supports tribal sovereignty. She was born and raised on the Fort Apache Reservation and represented parts of the Navajo Nation when she served in the Arizona Legislature.

“Growing up in the White Mountains, Ann has firsthand knowledge about the important issues affecting the district’s tribal communities and will be a strong advocate in Congress," Lupe said in a statement quoted by Indian Country Today.

Kirkpatrick defeated Mary Kim Titla, a member of the San Carlos Apache Tribe, and Howard Shanker, an attorney who represents the Navajo Nation in a major sacred site case, for the Democratic nomination. She will face Sydney Hay in the November 4 election.

Get the Story:
Kirkpatrick endorsed by Arizona tribal leaders (Indian Country Today 10/14)

An Opinion:
Editorial: The Independent endorses Kirkpatrick (The White Mountain Independent 10/14)