Former Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez (Áshįįhí (Salt People)) is making another run for Congress, and the stakes could not be higher.
Nez, who led the Navajo Nation through the COVID-19 pandemic and helped secure historic investments for tribal communities, is seeking to represent Arizona’s 2nd Congressional District in Washington, D.C. If elected, he would bring one of the strongest Native voices in the country to Congress at a time when issues like tribal sovereignty, federal funding, healthcare, and economic development remain at the forefront.
On the next episode of Native Bidaské, Nez joins host Levi Rickert to discuss his campaign, the road to the July 21 primary, and his strategy for winning a district that has traditionally leaned Republican.
What concerns are voters raising as he travels across the district? How important will Native voter turnout and grassroots organizing be in determining the outcome? And what lessons has he carried forward from his first congressional campaign?
Nez also reflects on the significance of the nation’s 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence—a milestone that invites both celebration and reflection for Indigenous peoples.
Can Native voters help reshape Arizona’s political landscape in 2026? And what would a congressional victory mean for Indian Country?
Support Jonathan Nez’s campaign here.
Join us for this timely conversation with Jonathan Nez on the next Native Bidaské.
Watch the full episode of Native Bidaské on Friday, June 19th at 12 PM ET on Facebook, YouTube, NativeNewsOnline.net, and TikTok.
Watch past episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@NativeNewsOnline/streams
