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Jennifer D. Benally
Member of the Arizona House of Representatives
from the 7th district
In office
January 5, 2015 – January 9, 2017
Serving with Albert Hale
Preceded by Jamescita Peshlakai
Succeeded by Wenona Benally
Judge of the Kayenta Judicial Court[Usurped!]
In office
1998–2014
Appointed by Navajo Nation Council
Succeeded by Malcolm P. Begay
Personal details
Born Albuquerque, New Mexico
Political party Democratic
Residence Tuba City, Arizona
Alma mater Northern Arizona University

Jennifer D. Benally is a former state representative from Arizona. She represented the 7th district in the Arizona House of Representatives. As a member of the Democratic Party, Benally was first elected in 2015. She decided not to run for reelection in 2016.

About Jennifer D. Benally

Jennifer D. Benally was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Her family moved to Arizona in 1957. She is part of the Zuni Edgewater Clan, born for the Tangle Root Clan. This describes her family background in the Navajo culture.

Education and Early Career

Jennifer Benally earned her college degree from Northern Arizona University. After college, she became a police officer for the Navajo Nation. She served in this role from 1982 to 1990.

In 1992, Benally became a prosecutor in Tuba City. A prosecutor is a lawyer who works for the government. Their job is to bring legal cases against people accused of crimes. After six years as a prosecutor, she became a district court judge for the Navajo Nation. A judge makes decisions in court cases.

Political Career

Jennifer Benally served as a state representative for Arizona. A state representative is a person elected to make laws for their state. They work in the state's legislature, which is like a mini-Congress for the state.

Elections

In 2014, Jennifer Benally ran for state representative. She and Albert Hale won the Democratic primary election. A primary election is when members of a political party choose their candidates. They defeated Joshua Lavar Butler in this election.

In the general election, Benally and Hale ran unopposed. This means no other candidates ran against them. Because of this, they were both elected to represent the 7th district.

Family Life

Jennifer Benally is married to Kent. Together, they have a large family. They have 10 children and 14 grandchildren.

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