Arizona’s 1st Congressional District is home to almost 800,000 residents, two reservations and the Penjamo Yaqui community of Scottsdale. They helped construct the SRP canal system.
Now, they’re taking unprecedented steps to wield political influence.
For the first time ever, Penjamo Yaquis are endorsing a bloc of Democratic candidates outside of their own tribal elections ahead of the state primary on Tuesday, July 30.
These endorsements include: Scottsdale Mayor David Ortega, Maryann McAllen for Scottsdale City Council and Conor O’Callaghan for Arizona Congressional District 1.
“Sometimes we’re forgotten,” said Miguel Medrano, executive director of the Penjamo Yaqui Pueblo Board of Directors. “I would gather to say the rest of the candidates don’t even know we exist.”
But tribes are also playing a crucial part in deciding contentious elections statewide.
“They’ve been involved in many of the races,” Medrano added. “We’ve been inspired by many of our brother, sister communities like Salt River, Fort McDowell-Yavapai. We’re excited to join them.”
O’Callaghan is running to become the nominee from a crowded primary field of six Democrats. He eventually earned the Penjamo Yaquis’ support.
“Their endorsement means the world to me,” said O’Callaghan. “Their history here is fascinating. They have a very well-established community in Scottsdale and to have their support is awesome.”
He disclosed that Medrano is co-chairing his campaign and has provided “profound influence in terms of how I view the tribes within Arizona and Congressional District 1 from a policy perspective.”
O’Callaghan also insisted Native and non-Native voters share the same interests.
“It’s water, for sure. It’s the economy, you know, it’s schools, and those are the issues that matter to the tribes,” he added. “They’re also the issues that matter to me, and frankly, matter to everybody within CD 1.”
Native Americans make up at least 14,000 residents within the district. Republican Rep. David Scheikert narrowly won the seat by 3,195 votes in 2022.
