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Democrats Target Native Voters in Critical Election Push

Recently, Biden apologized to the Gila River Indian Community for past U.S. policies that forced Native children into boarding schools

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Democrats are making efforts to gain support from Native American voters in a close presidential race. This outreach is important for both parties.

In a close presidential race, Democrats are making a strong effort to gain support from Native American voters. This group has often felt overlooked by politicians in the past. 

Tim Walz, the Democratic vice-presidential candidate, visited the Navajo Nation in northeast Arizona. This was a significant trip because it was the first by a candidate from either major party during this election cycle.

Walz spoke to a crowd in front of a famous sandstone formation called Window Rock, which is the capital of the Navajo Nation. He wore a beautiful beaded turquoise necklace to show respect for the tribe. He promised that if elected, Vice President Kamala Harris would treat Native communities better than former President Donald Trump did.

Recently, Democrats have spent money on ads and staff to reach out to Native American voters. They know these voters could play a crucial role in a tight election. Arizona has the largest Native population in any battleground state, making it very important for both parties. In the 2020 election, President Joe Biden won Arizona by just 10,457 votes, showing how impactful Native votes can be.

Arizona Senator Mark Kelly spoke to the crowd, explaining that the outcome of the election in Arizona could depend on the votes from the Navajo Nation, which has over 165,000 residents.

Republicans are also trying to connect with Native Americans in Arizona. They argue that Trump is the best choice for creating jobs and opportunities. Many Native Americans struggle with poverty. According to the American Community Survey, about 20% of Native Americans live below the poverty line.

Myron Lizer, a Republican and former vice president of the Navajo Nation, spoke at the Walz event, saying, “Our people have been voting Democrat for over five decades, and nothing has changed.”

Native Americans make up about 1% of the U.S. population, but in Arizona, they are almost 5%. Although Biden is not running for re-election, his actions still influence this election. He appointed Deb Haaland, a Native American, as the interior secretary. This was a historic moment because she was the first Native American in a Cabinet position. Biden also took steps to protect land near the Grand Canyon, which is important to Native tribes.

Recently, Biden apologized to the Gila River Indian Community for past U.S. policies that forced Native children into boarding schools. Stephen Roe Lewis, the governor of the Gila River Indian Community, introduced Biden, saying he has done more for Native Americans than any other president.

In Arizona, the outreach goes beyond the presidential race. Rep. Ruben Gallego, the Democratic nominee for Senate, has pledged to visit all 22 federally recognized tribes in the state before Election Day. He recently hiked to the Grand Canyon to meet with the Havasupai tribe.

Jonathan Nez, a former president of the Navajo Nation, is running for Congress against Rep. Eli Crane. He encouraged Native Americans to make their voices heard, stating, “Now is the time for us to reclaim our power.”

Both parties face challenges in connecting with Native voters. There is a long history of distrust in politics. Gabriel Sanchez, a political science professor, said that both parties need to build better relationships with Native Americans.

Native Americans often face unique hurdles when voting. Many have trouble accessing polling places or may not understand their voting rights. Anne Egan-Waukau from Wisconsin Conservation Voices shared her experience of being wrongly told she couldn’t vote because she was from a reservation.

The Harris campaign has made significant efforts to reach Native voters. They have run targeted ads and have organizers focused on outreach in Arizona and Wisconsin.

Republicans also have staff working with voters in the Navajo Nation. Lizer is a key figure for the Arizona GOP, appearing in radio ads to connect with voters.

Tim Walz promised to respect tribal sovereignty and promote self-determination for tribes. He contrasted the Democratic approach with Trump’s administration, noting past disputes over relief funds during the pandemic.

As the election approaches, both parties are working hard to win the support of Native American voters, understanding that every vote counts. The outreach efforts reflect a broader recognition of the importance of this community in shaping the future of the nation.

 

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