Native candidates compete in June primary elections across four states

Fourteen Native candidates are on the ballot in June 9 primary elections in Maine, Nevada, North Dakota and South Carolina, according to reporting by ICT. In Maine, candidates are running as tribal leaders continue efforts to advance legislation related to tribal sovereignty. ICT reported that three Native candidates are seeking state and federal offices in Maine, and four  candidates are competing in Nevada races. Two additional Nevada candidates advanced directly to the general election after their primaries were canceled.

Seven Native candidates are running for local and state offices in North Dakota, including candidates from the MHA Nation, Spirit Lake Nation, Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa and the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. In South Carolina, Fawn Pedalino of the Natchez-Kusso Tribe advanced to the general election as the sole Republican candidate in her race. ICT also reported that leaders of the Catawba Nation raised concerns about the lack of a polling place on tribal lands.