Sharon Clahchischilliage facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sharon Clahchischilliage
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| Member of New Mexico Public Education Commission | |
| Assumed office 2022 |
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| Preceded by | Georgiana Davis |
| Member of the New Mexico House of Representatives from the 4th district |
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| In office January 15, 2013 – December 31, 2018 |
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| Preceded by | Ray Begaye |
| Succeeded by | Anthony Allison |
| Personal details | |
| Born | June 18, 1948 Farmington, New Mexico, U.S. |
| Nationality | American Navajo Nation |
| Political party | Republican |
| Education | University of New Mexico Eastern New Mexico University (BS) University of Pennsylvania (MSW) |
Sharon E. Clahchischilliage is an American politician. She was a member of the New Mexico House of Representatives from 2013 to 2018. She represented District 4 as a Republican. In 2022, she was elected to the New Mexico Public Education Commission for District 5. Sharon Clahchischilliage is also a citizen of the Navajo Nation. In 2024, she ran for the U.S. House of Representatives but did not win.
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About Sharon Clahchischilliage
Early Life and Education
Sharon Clahchischilliage was born in Farmington, New Mexico. Her parents were Eleanor and Herb Clah. She is a member of the Navajo Nation, which is the largest federally-recognized Native American tribe in the United States.
She went to the University of New Mexico. She earned her Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in education from Eastern New Mexico University. Later, she received her Master of Arts (MA) degree in social work from the University of Pennsylvania.
Her Work and Public Service
Sharon Clahchischilliage has worked in many different roles. She was a special education teacher. She also worked as a psychiatric social worker.
She focused on health issues for Native American communities. She served as a Lieutenant and Officer in the United States Public Health Service. She also worked for the Indian Health Service. These roles helped her get involved in important programs.
Political Journey
Sharon Clahchischilliage started her political career in New Mexico. She was appointed as the Tribal Affairs Officer for Children, Youth and Families (CYFD). This role was in the Office of the Cabinet Secretary for the State of New Mexico.
She also held important positions within the Navajo Nation. She was the Acting Executive Director for the Office of Government Development. She also worked as a Senior Programs/Projects Specialist for the Division of Transportation. Her political district included parts of West Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Family Life
Sharon Clahchischilliage is married. She and her husband have five children.
Elections and Voting
Sharon Clahchischilliage has run in several elections.
- 2024 Election: She ran for the U.S. House of Representatives in District 3. She was the only Republican candidate in the primary election on June 4, 2024. She won the primary with 24,959 votes. In the general election on November 5, 2024, she ran against the Democratic Representative Teresa Leger Fernandez. Representative Fernandez won with 162,342 votes (56.3%). Sharon Clahchischilliage received 126,085 votes (43.7%).
- 2012 Election: She ran for the New Mexico House of Representatives in District 4. She ran against the Democratic Representative Ray Begaye. She was the only Republican in the primary election on June 5, 2012, winning with 958 votes. She won the general election on November 6, 2012, with 5,856 votes (61.4%) against Representative Begaye.
- 2002 Election: She ran for Secretary of State of New Mexico. She was unopposed in the Republican primary. However, she lost the general election on November 5, 2002, to the incumbent Secretary Rebecca Vigil-Giron.
