The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana has announced the results of its April 5, 2026, tribal election, with Marshall Pierite reelected to a third term as chairman.
Also elected to leadership positions were Shelbie Lyn Sampson as Secretary-Treasurer, while incumbent Bobby Pierite Sr. secured reelection to the Tribal Council. Harold Pierite Sr. was newly elected to the council, having previously served in the role.
“I am deeply grateful and honored that our Tribal citizens have placed their trust and confidence in me for a third term as Chairman,” said Chairman Marshall Pierite. “This responsibility is not mine alone—it reflects the hard work and dedication of our Tribal Council, our administration and the many individuals who work every day to turn our shared vision for the future into reality. Together, we remain focused on strengthening our Nation, expanding opportunities for our citizens and their families and ensuring that our progress benefits communities throughout Louisiana. As Chairman, I represent every citizen of the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe, and over the next four years I look forward to engaging more frequently with our citizens across all our communities, listening to their concerns and working together to build a stronger future for our people.”
Pierite, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, has served the Tribe for more than three decades in various leadership roles, including Secretary-Treasurer and Vice Chairman. During his tenure, he has focused on strengthening tribal governance, expanding economic infrastructure and advancing programs aimed at improving quality of life for tribal citizens. He has also been a strong advocate for tribal sovereignty and has worked to build partnerships with federal leaders. In 2022, he was named Tribal Leader of the Year by the Native American Finance Officers Association and currently serves as president of the Native American Coalition for Economic Prosperity.
Newly elected Secretary-Treasurer Shelbie Lyn Sampson, a native of Marksville, Louisiana, makes history as the youngest woman to serve in the role. A valedictorian graduate of Marksville High School, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Louisiana State University and completed the Tribal Leaders Program at Harvard Business School. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and has held professional roles with Louisiana State University, Smoothie King Headquarters and the George W. Bush Presidential Center. In her current role, she brings experience in financial management, operations and strategic planning, with an emphasis on transparency and accountability.
Bobby Pierite, Sr., who was reelected to the Tribal Council, has more than 24 years of service with the Tunica-Biloxi Tribal Gaming Commission, where he serves as an associate commissioner overseeing licensing, inspector general and investigation divisions. A Marksville native, he has also served as Tribal Council liaison to the Housing Department and is active in community service, including his role as a Grand Knight for the Knights of Peter Claver.
Harold Pierite, Sr., newly elected to the council, brings decades of law enforcement experience, having served as chief of police for the Tunica-Biloxi Police Department for more than 20 years. He has held multiple law enforcement roles since 1991 and was appointed to the Louisiana State Police Commission in 2017. A longtime member of the Tribal Council, most recently serving in 2022, he was inducted into the Louisiana Justice Hall of Fame in 2022.
“Congratulations to those elected and re-elected,” said Marshall Ray Sampson Sr.. “Service to others through dedicated, honest leadership is critical to our Tribal Council and the health and longevity of our Tribe. I am confident the 2026 Tribal Council will bring Tunica-Biloxi to unprecedented success through open ears, open hearts and open minds.”
The 2026 Tunica-Biloxi Tribal Council also includes Vice Chairman Marshall Ray Sampson, Sr., along with Tribal Council members Dr. Julie Zahn and James Craig III. Tribal citizens elect the seven-member council through biannual elections, with members serving four-year terms and the chairman and vice chairman positions alternating election cycles.
