Carlyle Begay facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Carlyle Begay
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| Member of the Arizona Senate from the 7th district |
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| In office July 1, 2013 – January 9, 2017 |
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| Preceded by | Jack Jackson, Jr. |
| Succeeded by | Jamescita Peshlakai |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Tuba City, Arizona, U.S. |
| Nationality | American Navajo Nation |
| Political party | Democratic (until 2015) Republican (2015–present) |
| Spouse | Candace Begody-Begay (divorced) Chantelle K Begay (2021–present) |
| Children | 1 |
| Alma mater | University of Arizona |
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Carlyle W. Begay is a politician from the Navajo (Diné) people. He is a member of the Republican Party. He used to represent the seventh district in the Arizona State Senate. This district is the largest state legislative district in the main part of the United States.
Early Life and Education
Carlyle Begay is from the Navajo Nation. He was born there and belongs to the Tó’tsohnii (Big Water) clan. His family also includes the Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House) clan. His grandparents on both sides are from the Tl'izi lani (Many Goats) clan.
Begay has lived in Arizona his whole life. He grew up on the Navajo Nation near Black Mesa. His family taught him the importance of his people's history. They also taught him to share these stories with future generations.
He went to the University of Arizona. There, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology. He also studied in a special program for minority students at the University of Arizona College of Medicine. Begay also attended other well-known schools. These included the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and the Harvard School of Public Health.
Political Career and Public Service
Carlyle Begay became a member of the Arizona State Senate in 2013. He took over from Jack Jackson, Jr., who left to work for President Obama's team.
In November 2015, Begay changed his political party. He switched from the Democratic Party to the Republican Party. He planned to run for Congress in 2016 but later decided not to. Instead, he supported Paul Babeu for the position.
After the 2016 elections, Begay volunteered his time. He helped with the transition efforts for the new presidential administration. In October 2020, he helped start the "Native Americans for Trump" group. He was a co-chair for this group, working with Sharon Clahchischilliage.
Personal Life
In 2021, Carlyle Begay moved to Colorado with his wife and children. He enjoys playing golf in his free time. He and his wife were baptized on Easter Sunday in 2024. He also likes spending time with his nephew, Matthew, who often visits from Tucson.
