‘Navajo Nation is the turning point’: Democrats rally Native vote in Arizona

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U.S. Congressional candidate Jonathan Nez, standing at right, waves to the crowd gathered at the Western Navajo Fair in Tuba City, Arizona, on October 19, 2024. Courtesy photo

Election 2024: Tuba City, Arizona, on the Front Lines

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

By Cora Max-Phillips in Tuba City Arizona

On Saturday, a sunny autumn morning, brisk winds lifted Kamala Harris-Tim Walz Flags alongside the American and Navajo Nation Flags above the Western Navajo Fair in Tuba City, Arizona. With 50,000 Navajos, friends, and neighbors celebrating “Heritage, Harvest, Livelihood, and Kinship,” people were enthusiastic about the upcoming election.

Beautiful Navajo Princesses waved from parade floats, celebrating Dine’ culture and heritage in traditional velvet dress with squash blossoms and turquoise jewelry. Fancy dancers and riders on horseback joined the parade. Laughter and excitement permeated the crowd from wide-eyed children anticipating the floats and the fruit and candy they bring.

A crowd at the Western Navajo Fair in Tuba City, Arizona, on October 19, 2024. Courtesy photo

Ron Lee of Harris-Walz for Arizona and the Arizona Democratic Party, said “Kamala Harris respects tribal sovereignty, treaty rights and Native Nations. She’ll bring housing, jobs and child care tax credits. She’s respectful and that’s a winner for Native Nations.”

“When we fight, we’ll win or should I say, When we fight Respectfully, we’ll win Respectfully!” Lee said. “That’s more than what I can say about our opponents!”

Tuba City is fired up and ready to send Arizona's first ever Native American to the House of Representatives.

This race is TIED, and we are feeling the energy on the ground right now.

Let's bring it home. Spread the word and chip in today: https://t.co/odup9jw39c pic.twitter.com/ol4b2fbPGE
— Jonathan Nez (@NezForAZ) October 21, 2024

Arizona Congressional Candidate Jonathan Nez, walked the route calling on people to show the strength of the Navajo Nation by voting. The former Navajo President said, “Do you want to send the first Indian from Arizona to Washington D.C? I’ll work for rural Arizona. We’ll bring new housing, clean water, and create jobs!” Nez for Congress signs lined the parade.

Nez was joined by Governor Stephen Roe Lewis of the Gila River Indian Community, calling out “Vote for sovereignty! Vote for the future! Vote Democrat!”

About Nez, Lewis said, “He’d be the first Navajo to serve in Congress. It’s exciting. He has so much to teach the politicians about the Navajo Nation, about real Arizonans — he’ll be a leader for the People.”

Governor Lewis continued, “I know Harris — she’s the real deal. She’ll work with us to bring America forward in the 21st century. We’re going forward — Kamala Harris is the future.”

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Chris Deschene worked to get out the vote for Battleground Indian Country. His organization’s voter education signs were seen everywhere at the Western Navajo Fair.

“Navajo People understand that Donald Trump is the YIIYAH Man — He’s Scary! He’ll take women’s rights and disparage Native people while he gives billionaires tax breaks,” Deschene said.

“The Navajo People’s excitement for the election is real, our folks know that we will elect our next President, Congressman, and Senator,” Deschene added. “Navajo Nation is the turning point for Indian Country, Arizona, and America. We feel it.”

Supporters of Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris and vice presidential candidate Tim Walz prepare to take part in the Western Navajo Fair in Tuba City, Arizona, on October 19, 2024. Courtesy photo