Kevin Abourezk
ICT
While many think of political positions when the midterms come around, there were also judicial positions up for election with Native candidates.
Fourteen Native candidates ran for seats in the judicial system with 10 of them winning or keeping their seats.
All 14 races were within a state, county, or municipal court system.
“I’m looking forward to getting back on the bench,” said Deborah Ann Begay, Diné, who won her race for Maricopa County Justice of the Peace on Nov. 3.
She encouraged Natives to get more involved in politics and civics.
“Don’t this moment pass you by,” she said. “Be a part of the change. Commit to making changes in your community, in your home, and in your life.”
Jennifer Jermaine, White Earth Nation, thanked her supporters after winning her race for Maricopa County Justice of the Peace.
“Thank you to all of our donors who enabled us to hire locally and support the next generation of community leaders,” she said on her Facebook page. “It takes a village to run a political campaign! I’ll be back in court tomorrow to continue as your San Marcos Justice of the Peace.”
Following is a list of candidates for judgeships across the country and whether they won those races during the 2026 election season.
- WON: Deborah Ann Begay, Diné, running for Maricopa County Justice of the Peace Moon Valley Precinct
- WON: Jennifer Jermaine, White Earth Nation, running for Maricopa County Justice of the Peace San Marcos precinct
- WON: Susie Nelson, Diné, running for Navajo County Justice of the Peace Kayenta Precinct 4
- WON: Jay Yellowhorse, Diné, running for Apache County Justice of the Peace, Northstar Precinct 3
- WON: Devon Lomayesva, Iipay Nation of Santa Ysabel, California Superior Court San Diego County
- WON: Jeannice Reding, Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohicans, Minnesota Fourth Judicial District Court
- WON: Ernie Bear Don’t Walk, Crow, Big Horn County Justice Court
- WON: Virginia Yazzie, Diné, McKinley County Magistrate Judge
- WON: Rochelle Garnenez, Diné, McKinley County Magistrate Judge
- WON: Victoria “Tori” Smith, Poarch Band of Creek Indians, Hamilton County General Sessions Court
- LOST: Sara Mae Williams, Tohono O’odham, running for Pima County Justice of the Peace Precinct 3
- LOST: Brenna Clani-Washinawatok, Diné, New Mexico 11th Judicial District Court
- LOST: Allycia Murphy, Lumbee, Las Vegas Municipal Court
- RECOUNT: Josie Passes, Crow, Big Horn County Justice Court
