Three women will now serve on the Choctaw Nation’s Tribal Council following the results of a special election held in District 5.
According to unofficial results from the Choctaw Nation Election Board, Jennifer Turner received 563 votes, with Earl Smith receiving 440 votes.
“I am humbled and honored to have been unofficially elected to serve as your Choctaw Tribal Councilwoman for District 5,” Turner said in a social media post. “This victory belongs to all of us, and I promise to work hard every day to represent our district with integrity, dedication, and respect. Together, we will protect our heritage, strengthen our communities, and ensure a brighter future for our Nation.”
Smith thanked his supporters and wished Turner the very best as she steps into the new role.
“Let’s continue working together for the good of our people and the strength of our Choctaw Nation,” Smith said.
Once the results are certified, Turner will be sworn in during the Choctaw Nation Labor Day Festival in Tvshka Homma.
District 5, which covers parts of Pittsburg, Haskell, and LeFlore Counties, originally had seven candidates running for the seat after former Councilman Ron Perry resigned April 1 after several charges of sexual battery were filed against him.
Full results can be found online at https://www.choctawnation.com/about/government/voter-registration/elections/