Arizona’s Navajo voters are heading to the polls to choose the next leader of the Navajo Nation, a sovereign entity that spans three states and covers an area roughly the size of West Virginia. The race has narrowed to two candidates: Council Speaker Crystalyne Curley and attorney Justin Jones.
Curley’s historic candidacy
Crystalyne Curley will be the first woman to serve as president of the Navajo Nation if she wins. She made history earlier this year as the first female speaker of the Navajo Nation Council and previously worked as a public information officer in former President Jonathan Nez’s administration. Curley also held the title of Miss Navajo from 2011‑2012, underscoring her deep roots in tribal culture.
“Public service has been part of my life since I was 14,” Curley told AZFamily. “My vision has always been on the Navajo people.”
First‑100‑day agenda
Curley’s plan for her first 100 days focuses on three pillars: public safety, economic growth and the well‑being of Navajo families, including mental‑health and behavioral‑health services. She emphasized the need for safer communities, reliable infrastructure and stronger support for families.
Infrastructure is a pressing concern. Many homes on the reservation still lack running water and electricity. As speaker, Curley helped create a trust fund to finance community‑level infrastructure projects. She said the fund is a “new concept” that will allow the nation to address critical needs once she assumes the presidency.
Addressing alleged corruption
Tribal citizens have long raised concerns about corruption and nepotism. The most recent controversy involves a $24 million federal contract intended to build homes on the reservation that fell short of its promises, leading to lawsuits and accusations of unethical conduct. Curley called for an immediate investigation by the Navajo Nation Department of Justice, noting that a request for a proper probe has been pending for over two years without action.
“We need the Department of Justice to launch an official investigation now,” she said.
Strengthening sovereignty and natural‑resource policy
Beyond infrastructure, Curley pledged to protect tribal sovereignty, address the transportation of uranium across Navajo lands, and safeguard mineral‑rights and water agreements. She framed these issues as essential to preserving the nation’s independence and ensuring that Navajo families benefit from their own resources.
Running mate and campaign outlook
Curley’s running mate is former Arizona state lawmaker Chris Deschene, who brings experience in state‑level governance to the ticket. The pair is positioning their campaign around family values, community safety and responsible stewardship of tribal assets.
Voters have until Election Day on Tuesday to cast their ballots. With Curley’s emphasis on tangible improvements for families and a clear plan to confront corruption, her campaign aims to rally both longtime supporters and new voters who seek a stronger, more transparent Navajo Nation government.
Original reporting: azfamily KTVK/KPHO Phoenix (news) — read the source article.
