Jonathan Nez

Nez was born in Tuba City, Arizona, and attended Northland Pioneer College and Northern Arizona University (NAU). He attained both a Bachelor of Science in political science and a Master of Public Administration from NAU. == Early political career ==

during a 2016 award ceremony Early in his career, Nez served as vice president of the Navajo Nation's Shonto chapter. He also served as a delegate to the Navajo Nation Council, where he represented the Oljato, Ts'ah Bii' Kin, Navajo Mountain, and Shonto chapters. In 2015, he was elected Vice President of the Navajo Nation in a ticket led by Russell Begaye. He was formally sworn into office on May 12, 2015. == President of the Navajo Nation (2019–2023) ==

On November 6, 2018, Nez was elected President of the Navajo Nation by a margin of 33.07% of the vote versus former President Joe Shirley Jr. Shirley had received the endorsement of Begaye and also boasted high name recognition owing to his former tenure. As president, Nez oversaw the Navajo Nation's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. By September 2021, the Navajo Nation's COVID-19 vaccination rate was higher than in most other parts of Arizona. Nez unsuccessfully campaigned for reelection in 2022, losing to challenger Buu Nygren. During the campaign, Nez endorsed the legalization of same-sex marriage on the Navajo Nation. == U.S. national politics ==

Nez was an early primary supporter of Hillary Clinton's 2016 presidential campaign and served on the Hillary for America Arizona Leadership Council. Crane defeated Nez in the general election, 54% to 45%. On July 22, 2025, Nez announced that he would run again for the 2nd congressional district in the 2026 election. == Personal life ==

Nez is married to Phefelia Nez, who was appointed in 2022 to serve on the trustee board of the John F. Kennedy Center of Performing Arts. Nez and his family were nearly struck when an SUV drove through a parade in Gallup, New Mexico, in August 2022. In total, fifteen people were left injured. Nez later reflected on the event saying "You would think it would never happen here. I'm sorry to say it happened here in Gallup, New Mexico", and "it was a difficult time for us". ==References==