Advance Native Political Leadership Action Fund builds Native political power by helping to elect Native leaders at all levels of public office. We’re proud to support the following candidates in 2025. Explore our past endorsements: 2024, 2023, 2022.
STATE AND LOCAL CANDIDATES
NEW MEXICO | NEW YORK | OKLAHOMA | SOUTH DAKOTA | WASHINGTON
NEW MEXICO
SIERRA YAZZIE ASAMOA-TUTU
she/her
Diné
Office: Gallup City Council, District 2 (NM)
Sierra Yazzie Asamoa-Tutu is a clinical social worker, mother of three, and community advocate dedicated to building a more just and equitable Gallup, New Mexico. Raised in the city, she returned home after more than a decade away to find persistent inequities and unmet needs—and she is determined to change that by bringing Native representation, accountability, and collaboration to city leadership.
With over 12 years of professional experience in social work, Yazzie Asamoa-Tutu has devoted her career to supporting families and strengthening communities. As a biracial Diné and Dutch woman, she sees herself as a bridge-builder who can unite Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities in pursuit of shared solutions.
Her vision for Gallup includes expanding affordable housing, creating economic opportunity, and ensuring leadership that truly reflects and serves the city’s Native-majority population.
NEW YORK
BRAIDEN MCELHANEY
he/him
Seneca Nation
Office: Orchard Park Town Council (NY)
Braiden McElhaney is a lifelong Western New Yorker, community advocate, and real estate professional committed to bringing accountability, transparency, and equity to local government. A citizen of the Seneca Nation, he credits Tribal financial aid with helping him complete his college education—an experience that deepened his commitment to public service and giving back to his community.
An Eagle Scout and experienced organizer with the Erie County Democratic Committee and Working Families Party, McElhaney has also worked in early childhood education and on congressional campaigns. His priorities include supporting small businesses while attracting new investment, ensuring fiscal responsibility, improving local infrastructure, expanding access to mental health services, protecting workers’ rights, and building strong, community-based public safety.
OKLAHOMA
AMANDA CLINTON
she/her
Cherokee Nation
Office: Oklahoma House of Representatives District 71
Amanda Clinton is a dedicated leader with deep roots in northeast Oklahoma, where her Cherokee ancestors settled nearly 200 years ago. Raised in a hardworking family, she was shaped by the values of fairness, integrity, and honesty. Her career began in journalism before she spent 15 years serving the Cherokee Nation, rising from an entry-level role to an executive position and earning three Emmy Awards for producing Osiyo, Voices of the Cherokee People. In 2020, she launched two small businesses—one in real estate and another advising Tribal governments and Native-owned enterprises.
Amanda is committed to creating opportunities for future generations, establishing a scholarship at Oklahoma State University for Native students in communications. She teaches as an adjunct professor at OSU and serves on boards like Planned Parenthood, the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, and the Arts Alliance Tulsa. With a strong foundation in public service and government experience, Amanda is ready to bring bold leadership to House District 71, fighting for quality education, equitable healthcare, reproductive freedom, and environmental protections.
DENNIS BAKER
he/him
Muscogee, Euchee
Office: Oklahoma House of Representatives District 71
Dennis Baker is a lifelong Oklahoman of Euchee tribal descent and a proud member of the Muscogee Nation. Growing up in small-town Oklahoma, he learned the values of perseverance, hard work, and community—principles that shaped his career in public service. After earning degrees in English and law from the University of Tulsa, he served as both a Tulsa Police Officer and an FBI Special Agent, where he worked to protect communities, uphold the Constitution, and fight against extremism. Today, he practices law in Tulsa, where he and his wife, Wanda, continue their commitment to public service.
Dennis believes in an Oklahoma where every family has access to quality public education, good jobs, affordable healthcare, and safe communities. His career—from law enforcement to counterterrorism—has been about ensuring people are protected and supported, and he brings that same dedication to his campaign. With a deep knowledge of Tulsa and a commitment to working for all Oklahomans, Dennis is ready to fight for a future that reflects the best version of the state—a place where opportunity, democracy, and progress prevail.
SOUTH DAKOTA
MICHAELA MADRID
she/her
Lower Brule Sioux Tribe
Office: Ward 3 Spearfish City Council Member
Michaela Madrid is a dedicated leader, policy expert, and proud member of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe. Raised in Pierre, South Dakota, she developed a deep connection to the Black Hills, eventually making Spearfish her home. She holds Bachelor of Arts degrees in Political Science and Sociology from Black Hills State University and a Master’s in Public Policy from Portland State University, specializing in intergovernmental relations. Throughout her career, Michaela has worked with Tribal governments and leaders to strengthen civic engagement, government transparency, and intergovernmental relationships, ensuring that communities have the resources they need to thrive.
Beyond her policy work, Michaela has been a steadfast advocate for survivors of violence and families impacted by the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) crisis, using research and advocacy to influence state legislation. Her experience in public service, direct community work, and navigating complex systems has prepared her to lead. As a single mother and lifelong advocate, Michaela is committed to building a more inclusive and responsive government, and she is ready to bring her passion for service to the Spearfish City Council.
WASHINGTON
BOB IYALL
he/him
Nisqually
Office: Port of Olympia Commission District 2 (WA)
Bob Iyall is a Nisqually Tribal Elder, business executive, and union tradesman who has dedicated his life to strengthening community and opportunity. A proud member of the Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Union for 37 years, he later earned a B.S. in Business Management and an MBA before serving as CEO of Medicine Creek Enterprise Corporation, the economic arm of the Nisqually Tribe. He also helped establish the Nisqually Tribal Employment Rights Office (TERO), advancing Tribal self-determination in the workforce.
As Port Commissioner, Iyall has expanded the commission to five seats, hired strong new leadership, championed fair labor contracts, and launched the Budd Inlet cleanup to restore environmental health and revitalize the working waterfront. In his second term, he is committed to completing the Budd Inlet sediment remediation, securing a Habitat Conservation Plan to guide sustainable development, and finalizing a visionary Master Plan for redevelopment of the Port Peninsula.
CHRIS ROBERTS
he/him
Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma
Office: Shoreline City Council Position 7 (WA)
Chris Roberts is a dedicated public servant, educator, and community leader who has served on the Shoreline City Council since 2010. Twice selected by his colleagues to serve as mayor (2016–2017 and 2024–2025), he has earned a reputation for thoughtful leadership and effective governance.
Roberts holds a Ph.D. in political science from the University of Washington and teaches at North Seattle College and Centralia College, bringing both academic expertise and lived community experience to his public service. He lives in Shoreline’s Ballinger neighborhood with his wife and son.
As he seeks re-election, Roberts is committed to advancing policies that strengthen neighborhoods, support working families, and ensure Shoreline grows sustainably for future generations.
LATRISHA SUGGS
she/her
Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe
Office: Port Angeles City Council, Position 1 (WA)
LaTrisha Suggs made history as the first Tribal citizen elected to the Port Angeles City Council since 1890. With over two decades of experience in environmental policy, she has dedicated her career to protecting the Olympic Peninsula’s natural resources and building sustainable communities.
Suggs played a key role in the historic Elwha River Dam Removal Project—the largest dam removal in U.S. history—and helped pass Port Angeles’ first Climate Resiliency Plan in 2022. On the council, she has worked to bring Native perspectives into local decision-making while advancing housing affordability, infrastructure improvements, and watershed protection.
Now seeking re-election, Suggs is focused on increasing housing density, streamlining permitting, and strengthening partnerships with Tribal, state, and local leaders to preserve the Elwha Watershed and promote sustainable forest management.