Navajo Nation presidential candidate Russell Begaye and his running mate, Jonathan Nez. Photo from Facebook

Russell Begaye, a candidate for president of the Navajo Nation, announced Jonathan Nez as his running mate on Wednesday.

Nez serves on the Navajo Nation Council. He represents communities in Arizona and Utah.

“After much prayer and consultation with my family, and with great humility, I am pleased to accept the nomination by my naali, Mr. Russell Begaye, to serve as his running mate for Vice President of the Great Navajo Nation,” Nez said in a press release. “I accept this incredible opportunity because I believe our Navajo people are ready for solutions rooted in healing and compassion for one another.”

Begaye came in third in the tribe's primary in August. But he rejoined the race after Chris Deschene was removed from the ballot due to his lack in fluency in the Navajo language.

Begaye will face Joe Shirley Jr., a former president who came in first in the primary. A date for the election hasn't been set -- it was supposed to take place Tuesday but had to be delayed due to the issues surrounding Deschene's candidacy.

Get the Story:
Navajo Nation presidential candidate Russell Begaye announces running mate (The Farmington Daily Times 11/6)

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