TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — Six incumbents were re-elected to the Council of the Cherokee Nation during the tribe’s General Election Saturday, June 7, according to unofficial results from the Cherokee Nation Election Commission.
The incumbents re-elected include Candessa Tehee of District 2, Joshua Sam of District 7, Melvina Shotpouch of District 10, Kendra McGeady of District 11, Danny Callison of District 15, and at-large Councilor Johnny Jack Kidwell. Newcomer Ashley Grant was also elected to District 5.
Unofficial results show 7,714 voted in the 2025 General Election.
In the races for Districts 4 and 9, no candidate received the required 50% plus one vote, so voters in those districts will select among the top candidates from the General Election results for a run off.
The Cherokee Nation Election Commission is set to meet Monday, June 9, to certify results.
In District 2, Tehee won with 279 votes, or 85%.
“I’m so thankful and deeply honored to be re-elected to serve on the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council. To everyone who supported me, prayed for me, or simply believed in me – 'wado’ from the bottom of my heart,” Tehee said. “Serving our people is not just a job – it’s a calling. I carry this responsibility with love, respect, and a deep connection to who we are as Cherokee people. Our language, our culture, our elders, and our children all guide the work I do every day. I promise to keep listening, to keep learning, and to keep working hard for our communities. I’ll always do my best to stand up for fairness, honesty, and the good of all our people. We are strongest when we walk together – as one family, one Nation. Let’s keep working side by side to build a future that honors the wisdom of our ancestors and creates new hope for our grandchildren. Wado for your trust, your kindness, and the chance to serve. It is truly an honor.”
McGeady won the District 11 race with 614 votes, or more than 58%.
“I am deeply grateful the voters have chosen to continue the progress we have made since my appointment to the Tribal Council almost a year ago. Representing District 11 is a special responsibility. Northeast Oklahoma holds a special place in the hearts of the Cherokee Nation. As our Nation expands services to Cherokees throughout District 11, I will continue to work to ensure our communities have access to transportation, education funding, and better access to quality health care, close to home,” McGeady said. “My heart is overflowing with gratitude to all Cherokees in District 11, my family and my dedicated volunteers. I am honored and humbled that you have chosen me to represent you.”
Shotpouch received 376 votes for the District 10 race, more than 70%.
“I am so grateful to have been re-elected to serve for another term on the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council,” Shotpouch said. “Thank you to everyone who supported and believed in me throughout this journey. Your trust and encouragement mean everything, and I will continue to work hard every day on behalf of our citizens. I will never stop being a strong voice for our communities, protecting our sovereignty, and investing in our culture, language, and future,” Shotpouch said. “This victory belongs to all of us. Wado for the opportunity to serve – you have my deepest gratitude, and I look forward to working for you. Together we will build a stronger Cherokee Nation.”
Kidwell was re-elected to the at-large seat with 2,084 votes, or nearly 79%.
“Thank you for your unwavering support not just in this election, but throughout the past four years. Your encouragement, trust, and belief in our shared vision have meant everything to me,” Kidwell said. “Together we’ve made real progress, and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished. As I begin my second term, I’m more committed than ever to building on that foundation. Every day, I will work tirelessly to enhance the lives of at-large Cherokee citizens, expand opportunities, and strengthen connections to our Nation. I’m honored to serve you, and I’m excited for all that we’ll achieve together in the years ahead.”
Sam was re-elected with 644 votes, or more than 89%.
“I am grateful to all of District 7 to have your approval to continue the great work we are doing together. Serving my tribe has always been my dream and to be able to be elected to a second term, I am very blessed,” Sam said. “Now, let’s continue over the next four years the great progress we are making to improve education, housing, language preservation, healthcare services and so many areas of our tribe. I am honored to have your yes vote to continue serving you all, so let’s get back at it. Wado District 7!”
Callison won the District 15 seat with 496 votes, or nearly 91%.
“I would like to thank each and every one for their support in my re-election. Thanks to you, I will be able to continue my passion to serve the Cherokee people,” Callison said.
Grant won the District 5 seat with 158 votes or over 51%.
“I am incredibly honored and humbled by the trust District 5 voters have placed in me,” Grant said. “Together, we ran a campaign rooted in service, transparency, and the belief that Cherokee communities deserve strong, experienced leadership. I’m ready to get to work on expanding access to healthcare, supporting education pathways, and making sure every citizen in our district feels heard.
Newly elected and re-elected Tribal Councilors will be sworn in on Aug. 14.
The Cherokee Nation Runoff Election will be held July 26.