Paulette Jordan, who has won the Democratic nomination for governor of Idaho, would, if elected be the first Native American to be a governor in the United States.
She will be facing Republican nominee Lt. Governor Brad Little.
Jordan won the nomination with a 58 percent of the total in the primary. She had been a member of the legislature before resigning to run for governor.
After the results were in Jordan told supporters, “The people have spoken…just maybe, we were right. I have to tell you: This is our day. We are making history. We are all one. We will have a better Idaho.”
She added, “I am so honored by the widespread support received from my relatives throughout Indian Country. This is a huge step for us and I am excited to be on this journey with all of you. This is a great indicator of where we as indigenous progressive leaders in rural states can help lead our communities.”
Jordan was raised on an Idaho farm. She is a member of the Coeur d’Alene tribe. She developed a passion politics while attending the University of Washington. She learned grassroots activism by working with the Seattle City Council.
When she moved back home she became the youngest person elected to the tribal council. She became a business development strategist as was finance chairman of the executive board of the National Indian Gaming Association.
