Navajo presidential candidates Jonathan Nez and Buu Nygren announce running mates

Navajo Nation presidential candidates Jonathan Nez and Buu Nygren have announced their vice presidential picks.

Nez and Nygren are both from the Arizona side of the Navajo Nation, so it is customary that their vice presidential come from either New Mexico or Utah. Both vice presidential picks are from New Mexico.

Nygren, who is from Red Mesa and finished second in the primaries with 12,878 votes, introduced Richelle Montoya of Torreon, New Mexico. Incumbent President Jonathan Nez, who finished first in the primary with 17,073 votes, selected Chad Abeyta, a U.S Air Force veteran from Alamo, New Mexico.

Abeyta would replace the current Navajo Vice President, Myron Lizer, on Nez's ticket.

Both presidential candidates revealed their choices Monday, a couple of hours apart, at the Window Rock Veterans Park across the street from the Office of the President and Vice President. Monday was the deadline to announce running mate selections.

Nygren said Montoya "will be part of that balanced and positive movement as the next Navajo Nation Vice President. With a solid background in local leadership and a drive to fight for the Navajo People, Richelle Montoya’s experience in living and working among the people will be the foundation for change driven by a heart to serve the Navajo Nation.”

Montoya was elected as Torreon/Star Lake chapter president and is currently serving in other leadership roles, including as a board member of the Na’neelzhiin Ji Oltá, Inc., a member of the Eastern Navajo Agency Executive Committee, and a member of the Eastern Navajo Agency Fair Board.

Montoya holds a Bachelor of University Studies from the University of New Mexico with concentrations in psychology, sociology, and Native American studies. Montoya also holds an associate degree in human services from San Juan College, with a concentration in Criminal Justice.

She is married to Army veteran Olsen Chee.

“Without hesitation I have been listening to his platform,” said Montoya about her running mate. “I have been listening to everything he has been wanting to bring to our Navajo Nation and I am behind 110 percent.”

Nygren, who only four years ago was a vice president pick for former Navajo Nation President Joe Shirley when he ran for his third term, said his vice presidential selection committee began the search for a running mate with a public call for applications on Aug. 4. Sixteen applicants and interviewees were considered by the committee.

“It’s five days after the Primary Election and according to Navajo Nation Code you have five days to announce a running mate,” said Buu’s wife and Arizona State Rep. Jasmine Blackwater-Nygren. “I’m excited to be a part of this. As Buu’s wife, I stand by my husband. I stand by the campaign. We want to make history. We want to make sure that those who haven’t been represented in the President’s office become represented in that office.”

In his announcement, Nez thanked Lizer, the current vice president. “It's a different campaign," Nez said. "It's a different era. We’re not the young group any more, but then we have the experience. That's what over 17,000 people saw.”

Abeyta, Nez's choice, served in the U.S. Air Force and traveled abroad three times in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Unified Protector. He earned a bachelor’s degree and juris doctor degree from the University of New Mexico.

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He also earned a Master of Laws Degree from the University of Arizona’s James E. Rogers College of Law. He works as an attorney with the Navajo Nation's Office of Legislative Counsel.

Abeyta and his wife, Paulene Abeyta, live in To’hajiilee, New Mexico, with their children and two dogs.

“I remember being in undergrad, President Nez, who was vice president at the time, was speaking to young Navajo people,” said Abeyta. “And encouraged the younger generation to come back and serve our people after we get our degrees. That stuck with me this whole time and it still continues to this day that I am here for you all.”

He said he is excited to join the Nez team, and will bring leadership skills and critical thinking, and plans to use creative solutions to address issues on Navajo.

“I will support President Nez and his platform and I like to continue the work he is doing,” said Abeyta. “I ask of everyone, please, we are asking for your support these next three months. And then the next four years."

Abeyta's wife, Paulene, holds dual bachelor's degrees from the University of New Mexico and a juris doctor degree from the University of Arizona’s James E. Rogers College of Law.

She is an Emerge New Mexico Alumna and coordinated grassroots campaign efforts for former Rep. Deb Haaland, who is now the U.S. Interior Secretary. She is also the current vice president of the To’hajiilee Community School Board of Education and serves as a board of director for the National Native American Bar Association.

She works in the natural resources unit at the Navajo Nation Department of Justice.

“Our family is excited for the opportunity to continue to serve the Navajo Nation at this next level," she said. "Our past experience and current expertise provide us with insight to the Nation’s toughest issues and a platform for creative solutions. I am confident that President Nez selected a significantly qualified vice-presidential candidate with a true heart for the people."

Arlyssa D. Becenti covers Indigenous affairs for The Arizona Republic and azcentral. Send ideas and tips to arlyssa.becenti@arizonarepublic.com. Follow her on Twitter @ABecenti

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Navajo presidential hopefuls announce vice presidential picks