WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — The 25th Navajo Nation Council unanimously passed emergency legislation Jan. 28 urging New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham to appoint a Navajo citizen to fill the vacant seat in New Mexico’s House District 6.
Legislation 0008-25, sponsored by Speaker Crystalyne Curley and co-sponsored and presented by Council Delegate Amber Kanazbah Crotty, seeks to address the vacancy left by the passing of former Rep. Eliseo Lee Alcon, who served for 16 years in the New Mexico State Legislature.
“House District 6 is home to a large and vibrant Navajo population, and it is vital that their voices are meaningfully represented in the state legislature,” Curley said. “The individual chosen to represent this district must not only understand the unique needs of our people but also be deeply committed to advocating for our communities’ interests and well-being.”
This legislation was introduced as an emergency measure because it directly impacts Navajo sovereignty. It calls on Lujan Grisham to make a temporary appointment to the seat in District 6 until a special election can be held.
“The appointment would send a powerful message of representation and strengthen the relationship between the state government and the Navajo Nation, fostering greater cooperation on critical issues affecting both the state and tribal communities,” Crotty said.
The 25th Navajo Nation Council passed the legislation with unanimous support, voting 21 in favor, none opposed.
