Hoskin, Warner, Legg all seek re-election
Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr., Deputy Principal Chief Bryan Warner and District 6 Tribal Councilman Daryl Legg held a re-election campaign on Jan. 10 which began by feeding the people dinner provided by Charlie’s Chicken at the Sequoyah County fairgrounds in Sallisaw.
Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr., Deputy Principal Chief Bryan Warner and District 6 Tribal Councilman Daryl Legg held a re-election campaign on Jan. 10 which began by feeding the people dinner provided by Charlie’s Chicken at the Sequoyah County fairgrounds in Sallisaw.
The Cherokee Nation election is June 3 and the run-off elections if needed will be on July 8, according to the Cherokee Nation Election Board office.
Hoskin and Warner were elected to their offices in June 2019 and officially kicked off their campaign on Dec. 3 in Tahlequah. Since then, they have held campaign rallies in Sallisaw and Bartlesville with plans to hold the next rally in Vinita and continue in other towns and communities throughout the 14 counties included in their jurisdiction in Oklahoma.
Warner and Hoskin were joined by Sequoyah County Councilman Daryl Legg who represents the eastern portion of Cherokee Nation tribal jurisdiction in Sequoyah County.
The trio took turns delivering their speeches to a crowd of enthusiastic supporters with each one sharing their vision for the next four years of the Cherokee Nation.
Chief Hoskin said his campaign would focus on bringing Cherokees together to face common issues that affect the Nation. He emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating, “Working together is how we, as a people across the centuries, weathered some of the darkest days and seized incredible opportunities for brighter days.”
He also spoke of the importance of not leaving any Cherokee behind in this venture. “Moving forward together and not leaving anyone behind, is how we have stood strong as a people. The idea that we are all in it together is why the Cherokee people are still here,” Hoskin said.
From the COVID-19 pandemic, to the fallout of the McGirt decision, the Cherokee Nation and the Hoskin-Warner administration has faced unprecedented challenges, according to his statements.
“However, Chief Hoskin spoke “proudly” of the Nation’s resolve and the strength of the Cherokee people. “We have all been tested,” Chief Hoskin said, “and as a Nation, we are stronger for having met the test together.”
Deputy Chief Warner said although campaign rallies are “exciting” to attend, “firing one off” in your hometown is the most exciting campaign event of all.
“It lets us know what the people committed to this area need, how we’re doing and what they expect from us,” Warner said. “It made me feel good about the abundance of support we received in Sequoyah County and my hometown of Sallisaw. It was heartfelt. What can we do in the next four years for the people, not only in Sequoyah County, but throughout the Cherokee Nation.”
Warner spoke of the importance of working together, but stressed how challenging times require proven leadership. “Chief Hoskin and I are tried stones,” he said. “We have built a sure foundation and we ask that you stand with us on the foundation we have built.”
Chief Hoskin and Deputy Chief Warner outlined an ambitious agenda for their second term, focusing on the preservation of the Cherokee language, continuing to expand access to health care, and creating better-paying jobs. They also spoke of holding the federal government accountable to long-standing treaties, particularly in their ongoing efforts to seat Delegate-Elect Kim Teehee. Chief Hoskin said, “You will have a team of leaders in office that will tell the United States that Cherokee treaties are the supreme law of the land and that this country needs to abide by every single word.”
Deputy Warner added, “My personal motivation is building a better and brighter future for the Cherokee Nation, and witnessing Cherokee families thrive.”
Chief Hoskin reiterated that the Cherokee people must continue to stand together if they want to continue to overcome their recent challenges. He closed the evening by calling the Nation to action: “if we are to succeed as a nation, we must succeed together. If we are to succeed in this campaign for a second term, we must do so together. If you believe in the idea that we are all in it together is what has sustained us for generations and the best path forward to secure this nation for generations to come, then we need your help. Now, let’s all get to work on this campaign for four more years.”
Legg said he shares the same vision as Hoskin and Warner and hopes he gets to continue the work in progress.
“Our work is not done. I’ve enjoyed the last four years and hope I get to continue to help people in Sequoyah County,” Legg said.
“I have two phones and when one of those phones ring, somebody’s world is coming down and I want to continue to help those who need my help for another four years. I hope to get that opportunity.”
For more information on upcoming campaign events or general information regarding the Hoskin and Warner campaign, contact Abby Hickman by phone or text at 405205-2746 or by email at abby@hoskinwarner.com.
