OKLAHOMA CITY — Leaders of Oklahoma's five largest Native American tribes announced their endorsement of Joy Hofmeister in the state's gubernatorial race on Tuesday.
Hofmeister, the state's Superintendent of Public Instruction, is a former Republican who swapped parties to take on sitting Gov. Kevin Stitt in the upcoming general election in November. The tribes have squabbled with Stitt in recent years over several issues including the fallout from the U.S. Supreme Court's decision on tribal jurisdiction in McGirt v. Oklahoma.
Leaders from the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Muscogee, Choctaw and Seminole Nations made their formal announcement of their endorsement of Hofmeister in Oklahoma City. It's the first time in recent history that an endorsement of this nature has been made by all five major tribes in the state.
The tribes released a joint statement to go along with their announcement:
“As a gubernatorial candidate, Joy Hofmeister recognizes that we all want the same things: safe communities, a strong economy, a stable workforce, well-funded education, investments in our infrastructure, and a continued focus on health and wellness, family, and community. When it comes to working with the tribal nations in Oklahoma, she understands our sovereignty is not a partisan issue or a threat, but instead is a chance to forge new partnerships while strengthening those that already exist because Oklahomans thrive together when we all work together. This year’s Oklahoma gubernatorial election is the most important in generations for all Oklahomans, and that’s why leaders of the Five Tribes are endorsing Joy Hofmeister to be Oklahoma’s 29th Governor."
Hofmeister joined the leaders during the endorsement announcement and gave a statement of her own:
“The bond we have with the 39 tribal nations who call our state home is one of Oklahoma’s greatest competitive advantages and what makes Oklahoma entirely unique. As Governor, I will embrace that bond, not break it.
We all benefit from the tribes’ rich history, traditions, culture and people. I will respect the sovereignty of the tribes, not waste your precious tax dollars fighting losing battles with tribal governments. And I will keep our state’s promises so we can foster a better future for all of us."
The Five Tribes represent a total of more than 800,000 citizens of the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Muscogee, Choctaw and Seminole Nations living around the country.
Trending Stories:
- Thief steals $8,000, washes check from Tulsa woman
- DOWNLOAD the 2 News Oklahoma app for alerts
- Teen accused in McLain homecoming shooting turns himself in
- FOLLOW 2 News Oklahoma on Facebook
- OHP: Vernard Smith has been located
Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere --
- Download our free app for Apple, Android and Kindle devices.
- Sign up for daily newsletters emailed to you
- Like us on Facebook
- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on Twitter
