New Mexico Sen. Benny Shendo (D) with young supporters at Kewa Pueblo. Photo from Facebook
Two tribal citizens are seeking the Democratic nomination for New Mexico's Senate District 22. Sen. Benny Shendo (D) from Jemez Pueblo is the incumbent. He's finishing up his first four-year term and is being challenged by Sandra Jeff (D), a member of the Navajo Nation. Native Americans represent about two-thirds of the district, according to The Albuquerque Journal. Since no Republican has filed for the seat, the winner of the June 7 primary will take the seat, the paper said. The paper submitted questionnaires to the candidates but did not ask anything specific about tribal issues But both invoked their cultural traditions when asked about a woman's reproductive rights. "I was raised in a family of strong women and come from a culture that values matriarchal leadership," Shendo said in his response. "As a man it is not for me to decide or legislate another person’s body or choices."
Sandra Jeff celebrated in April 2016 after a court in New Mexico ordered her to be listed on the upcoming ballot. She had been disqualified in connection with a fine for a late campaign finance report but she reached a settlement that ensured she could run again. Photo from Facebook
"As a Navajo/Diné woman, reared in our culture and traditions, life is very precious and sacred," said Jeff, who previously served in the New Mexico House. "In the very rare instance that this issue would be voted on, I would support banning abortions after 20 weeks." Jeff had to go to court in order to be listed on the ballot. During her tenure in the House, she frequently broke with the Democratic party on votes. Get the Story:
Jemez incumbent faces Navajo opponent (The Albuquerque Journal 5/5)
Q&As: Senate District 22 (D) – Sandra Jeff (The Albuquerque Journal 5/5)
Q&As: Senate District 22 (D) – Benny Shendo (The Albuquerque Journal 5/5)
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