Election results put 16 new members on next Navajo Nation Council
WINDOW ROCK
The 26th Navajo Nation Council could include 16 members who do not currently serve when it takes office in January, according to unofficial results from Tuesday’s general election.
Only eight current delegates are positioned to return to the 24-member legislature following primary losses, open seats and three incumbent defeats Tuesday.
The Navajo Election Administration’s report showed challengers finishing ahead of Shawna Ann Claw in Chinle, Danny Simpson in Eastern Navajo and Helena Nez-Begay in Western Navajo.
The administration reported results for all 24 Council seats, including Johnny Naize’s uncontested race. The races accounted for 62,715 votes for Council candidates, but the results remain unofficial.
Walton Yazzie received 1,057 votes to Claw’s 895 in Chinle, a difference of 162 votes.
Relinda M. John finished ahead of Simpson 1,460 to 1,123 for Nageezi, Counselor, Ojo Encino, Huerfano, Pueblo Pintado and Torreon. John received more votes in five of the six chapters, including Huerfano, Simpson’s home chapter.
John’s largest chapter margin came in Torreon, where she received 330 votes to Simpson’s 174. In Huerfano, the count was 443 to 393. Simpson finished ahead in Nageezi, 255 to 222.
To read the full article, please see the Nov. 5, 2026, edition of the Navajo Times.
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