Cherokee Nation Chief Bill John Baker. Photo from Cherokee Nation
It's election season for the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma, the largest tribe in the U.S. Chief Bill John Baker is running for a second term in office. He's facing at least four challengers -- his predecessor Chad Smith, council member Cara Cowan Watts, state Rep. William Fourkiller (D) and Charlie Soap, the widow of Wilma Mankiller, who was the first woman elected to lead the tribe. The filing period officially opens March 2 and runs through March 5. The fee for the chief's position is $2,500, The Muskogee Phoenix reported. This year's election takes place June 27. A run-off, if necessary, is scheduled for July 25. Get the Story:
Filing period for Cherokee Nation elected offices opens Monday (The Tulsa World 2/27)
Cherokee election awash with prospects (The Muskogee Phoenix 2/25)
Widow of former Cherokee chief running for same office (AP 2/20)
2015 Cherokee election features bitter rivals of 2011 race (AP 2/16)
Cherokee councilor enters race for principal chief (The Muskogee Phoenix 2/9)
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