2024 Election Report from a Northern Cheyenne View

LAME DEER, Mont. – Many folks are reeling from the National general election results: Trump as President reincarnate; the nation turned “red,” Administration and Congress under Republican control? It does not forebode well for Native Americans during the next four years.

At the State level, the news is mixed. Senator Jon Tester, beloved champion of Montana Indians and indeed helpful to Tribes across the nation was outgunned financially by newcomer Tim Sheehy, a “new-comer” to Montana. Sheehy won by 53 percent as opposed to Tester’s 45 percent. In the past two elections, the Indian vote saved Tester, but it could not be pulled off this time, despite the efforts of Native Voice and other organizational ‘get out the vote’ efforts.

Prior to the general election, it has been widely reported in the media (including NSNT) that Sheehy made disparaging remarks about the Crow tribal people, for which he has never apologized.

This, along with other elections results makes Montana a totally “red” state including both Senate seats; the one Congressional seat; the State Administration; and both houses of the State Legislature are all under the control of a “super Republican majority.” Traditionally, Montana has had at least one Democrat serve at the Congressional level.

Two tribal members, running as Democrats from the Northern Cheyenne area were successful in bids for the State House of Representatives. Those include Jade Sooktis, Northern Cheyenne who won a seat by 63.7 percent to represent HD 41which includes Rosebud and Powder River Counties and half of the Northern Cheyenne Reservation. Sidney “Chipper” Fitzpatrick, Crow won a seat in HD 42 which represents Big Horn County, part of the Northern Cheyenne Reservation and the Crow Reservation.

Long term State Democratic representative and Senator, Sharon Peregoy, Crow lost her bid to represent State District 21 which includes both the Northern Cheyenne and Crow Reservations.

Northern Cheyenne tribal elections featured a number of very close results. Six of the newly elected officials are newcomers to Tribal politics while four incumbents held onto their seats.

Newcomer to tribal politics, though not tribal government, Gene Small narrowly defeated incumbent Tribal President Serena

Wetherelt by a vote of 661 to Wetherelt’s 657. Small is an area rancher and former Executive Director of the Tribal Land Authority/ Grazing Board.

Incumbent Tribal Vice-President, Ernest Littlemouth Sr. retained his seat by gaining 690 votes. His opponent Henry Speelman received 619 ballots.

Tribal Judges elected included veteran incumbent J. David Roundstone and newcomer Curtis Elkshoulder Jr.

Many of the races for the Tribal Council were closely contested. The results follow:

Ashland District: Incumbent Melissa Fisher narrowly bested opponent Joseph Littlecoyote, Jr. by a margin of ten votes (658- 648).

Birney District: Incumbent Gwendolyn Spotted Horse retained her seat by a vote of 669 to that of challenger September Walksalong.

Busby District: Stephan Raining Bird defeated Wedith Tionne Carlson by a vote of 687 – 612.

Lame Deer District: Theresa Small won a handy victory with 743 votes compared to those of opponent Robert Simpson who gained 564 votes.

Muddy District: Howard Ontiveros, scored a convincing win by gaining 753 votes in contrast to opponent Lafe Hagen. Ontiveros is currently the Director of the Tribal Sanitation Program.

According to the Tribal Constitution, newly elected tribal officials take office in January, 2024, although there has been precedent to be seated earlier.

(Contact Clara Caufield at acheyennevoice1@gmail.com)

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