Jonathan Nez facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jonathan Nez
|
|
|---|---|
Nez in 2021
|
|
| 9th President of the Navajo Nation | |
| In office January 15, 2019 – January 10, 2023 |
|
| Vice President | Myron Lizer |
| Preceded by | Russell Begaye |
| Succeeded by | Buu Nygren |
| 9th Vice President of the Navajo Nation | |
| In office May 12, 2015 – January 15, 2019 |
|
| President | Russell Begaye |
| Preceded by | Rex Lee Jim |
| Succeeded by | Myron Lizer |
| Member of the Navajo Nation Council | |
| In office January 9, 2007 – May 12, 2015 |
|
| Preceded by | Harry Brown |
| Succeeded by | Herman Daniels |
| Personal details | |
| Born | May 26, 1975 Tuba City, Arizona, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Phefelia Nez |
| Education | Northland Pioneer College Northern Arizona University (BS, MPA) |
Jonathan Nez (born May 26, 1975) is a Navajo leader. He served as the 9th President of the Navajo Nation from 2019 to 2023. Before becoming president, he was the Vice President and a member of the Navajo Nation Council.
In 2024, Jonathan Nez was the first Indigenous person in Arizona to win a major party nomination for a seat in the U.S. Congress. He ran to represent Arizona's 2nd congressional district but did not win the election.
Contents
Early Life and School
Jonathan Nez was born in Tuba City, Arizona. He went to Northland Pioneer College and then to Northern Arizona University (NAU). At NAU, he earned two degrees: a Bachelor of Science in political science and a Master of Public Administration.
Starting His Political Journey
Early in his career, Jonathan Nez was the vice president of the Shonto chapter of the Navajo Nation. He also served as a delegate on the Navajo Nation Council. In this role, he represented several communities, including Oljato, Ts'ah Bii' Kin, Navajo Mountain, and Shonto.
In 2015, he was elected Vice President of the Navajo Nation. He ran alongside Russell Begaye, who became President. Jonathan Nez officially started his term as Vice President on May 12, 2015.
On November 6, 2018, Jonathan Nez was elected President of the Navajo Nation. He won the election against former President Joe Shirley Jr..
As president, Nez led the Navajo Nation's efforts to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. By September 2021, the Navajo Nation had a higher vaccination rate than most other parts of Arizona.
Jonathan Nez ran for reelection in 2022 but lost to Buu Nygren.
Involvement in U.S. Politics
Jonathan Nez has also been involved in national politics. He supported Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign in 2016. He was part of her Arizona Leadership Council.
In 2020, he was one of seventeen speakers chosen to give the main speech at the 2020 Democratic National Convention. He also served as one of the electors for Arizona in the 2020 presidential election.
On October 16, 2023, Nez announced he would run for a seat in the U.S. Congress. He sought to represent Arizona's 2nd congressional district. The election was held in 2024, and he ran against Republican Eli Crane. Eli Crane won the election.
2022 Parade Incident
In 2022, Jonathan Nez and his family were almost hit by an SUV that drove through a parade in Gallup, New Mexico. Fifteen people were injured in the incident. Nez later spoke about the event, saying it was a difficult time for everyone involved.
See also
In Spanish: Jonathan Nez para niños
