TAHLEQUAH – Cherokee Nation Election Day results point to a run-off in District 8 between the top two vote-getters, Codey Poindexter and Jillian Decker.
The two emerged on top of a seven-candidate race, according to unofficial results from the CN Election Commission. Poindexter earned 314 votes (39.3%) while Decker received 164 (20.53%). The Adair County race had seven candidates, but none met the 50% threshold to win outright on Election Day June 3.
The showdown between Poindexter and Decker will take place July 8.
“I grew up listening about local history and stories from my granny,” Poindexter wrote in a Cherokee Phoenix questionnaire. “Those cultural values that I’ve learned are what helped shape who I am today. This is something that I’ve planned on doing for a long time. I recently graduated from OU Law School with my degree in Indian Law; I’ve always had a passion for tribal history and law. I’m also a youth pastor at a local church, so I’ve been involved with tribal communities for a while.”
Decker wrote that she ran to “serve and help my community.”
“The Cherokee Nation is experiencing a time of tremendous growth,” she said. “I want to help our community take advantage and be a part of the growth. Any opportunity within our community needs to benefit this area at all levels such as employment and education. I want to help our community moving forward. I want to help us take the next step.”
The other District 8 candidates were Jerry Hardbarger with 62 votes (7.76%), Troy Littledeer with 60 (7.51%), Timothy Fishinghawk with 61 (7.63%), Jon Minor with 51 (6.38%) and John Teehee with 87 (10.89%).
District 8 covers the eastern portion of Adair County, as well as much of its northern border. The eventual winner will replace Shawn Crittenden, who has served two consecutive terms. He won 486 to 307 in 2015 and 566 to 77 in 2019.
All results are unofficial until certified by the EC.
