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Frank Dayish Jr.

Navajo Nation presidential election winner?

$36.6K

JUL 22, 2026

General Election

Voters choose the office holder.

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Overview

Current roleFormer Vice President

GenderMale

BackgroundVice President of the Navajo Nation

EducationSan Juan College — Associate of Arts (Business Administration)

Notable personal detailsFrank Dayish Jr. is a Navajo Nation politician and administrator who served as Vice President of the Navajo Nation under President Joe Shirley Jr. from 2003 to 2007. He has worked in federal procurement and health administration, including leadership roles within the Navajo Area Indian Health Service and as chief executive officer of the Kayenta Service Unit. He has also served as chief executive officer of the Navajo Nation Housing Authority. He is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran.

SourcesShow

congress.gov ihs.gov ictnews.org en.wikipedia.org navajotimes.com legalclarity.org kjzz.org navajoleadership.com navajoelections.navajo-nsn.gov iad.nm.gov kids.kiddle.co naair.arizona.edu nacnewmexico.org agriculture.navajo-nsn.gov kayentatownship-nsn.gov kayenta.navajochapters.org nnols.org govinfo.gov energy.senate.gov navajocountyaz.gov sec.gov navajonationcouncil.org navajo-nsn.gov navajoadvantage.com forbes.com indiangaming.com tricityrecordnm.com largetribes.org faireconomy.org facebook.com instagram.com alchetron.com hoeven.senate.gov heinrich.senate.gov democrats-energycommerce.house.gov fec.gov lujan.senate.gov hickenlooper.senate.gov ncsl.org rickscott.senate.gov indian.senate.gov

Positions

LiberalConservative

Economy & Taxes

Frank Dayish Jr. has emphasized stability and economic development, including bringing agriculture, home manufacturing, and land-based development to the Navajo Nation. He also said procurement and regulations should be reviewed and adjusted to make it easier for entrepreneurs, but there is no clear direct position on taxes in the available sources.

Healthcare

Frank Dayish Jr. has worked in healthcare administration, including as CEO of the Kayenta Service Unit and in Navajo Area Indian Health Service contracting and acquisitions. In his campaign remarks, he said he wants to continue work with Indian Health Service and bring that experience to the Navajo Nation, but the available evidence does not show a clear stance on specific healthcare reforms.

Climate & Energy

Frank Dayish Jr. has opposed new extractive development on the Navajo Nation and said climate change must be part of energy planning. He has also supported shifting economic development toward other sectors while prioritizing reclamation and cleanup of abandoned mine lands and stronger tribal control over mining regulation.

News

AINews Summary

Last updatedJul 15, 2026

Frank Dayish Jr. is in the news as one of the candidates campaigning for Navajo Nation president ahead of the July 21 primary. The race is focused on major issues like water rights, economic development, public safety, land reform, and election access. He is part of a crowded field of 16 candidates competing for a spot in the election.

congress.gov+40

Articles

TAThe Arizona Republic17 days ago