Sharon E. Clahchischilliage (born 1947/1948) (Navajo Nation) (born 1947 or 1948) is an American politician and a Republican member of the New Mexico House of Representatives, representing District 4 from 2013-2018. She was elected to the New Mexico Public Education Commission from District 5 in 2022.
Early life and education
Clahchischilliage was born into a Navajo family, the daughter of Eleanor and Herb Clah in Farmington, New Mexico, and is a member of the Navajo Nation. Clahchischilliage attended the University of New Mexico, earned her BS in education from Eastern New Mexico University, and earned her MA in social work from the University of Pennsylvania.
Career
Clahchischilliage has had a variety of teaching and psychiatric social work experience, including as a special education teacher. Working on Indian and tribal health issues, including as Lieutenant, Commissioned Corps Officer, United States Public Health Service and for the Indian Health Service, Clahchischilliage became involved in large programs.
She entered politics when appointed as Tribal Affairs Officer, Children, Youth and Families (CYFD), Office of the Cabinet Secretary, The State of New Mexico. She has also served in top positions in the Navajo Nation (the largest federally-recognized tribe in the United States) as Acting Executive Director, Office of Government Development, Office of the Speaker, The Navajo Nation, 2010–present; and as Senior Programs/Projects Specialist, Division of Transportation, Navajo Nation. Her district includes part of West Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Personal life
She is married and has five children.
Elections
2012 To challenge District 4 incumbent Democratic Representative Ray Begaye, Clahchischilliage ran unopposed for the June 5, 2012 Republican Primary, winning with 958 votes and won the November 6, 2012 General election with 5,856 votes (61.4%) against Representative Begaye. 2002 To challenge incumbent Democratic Secretary of State of New Mexico Rebecca Vigil-Giron, Clahchischilliage was unopposed for the 2002 Republican Primary but lost the November 5, 2002 General election to Secretary Vigil-Giron.
References
External links
Official page, New Mexico Legislature
Campaign site
Sharon E. Clahchischilliage, Ballotpedia
Sharon E. Clahchischilliage, National Institute on Money in State Politics
1940s births
21st-century American politicians
21st-century American women politicians
21st-century Native American politicians
21st-century Native American women
American women educators
Candidates in the 2002 United States elections
Eastern New Mexico University alumni
Living people
Members of the Navajo Nation Council
Native American state legislators in New Mexico
Native American women in politics
People from Farmington, New Mexico
People from San Juan County, New Mexico
Place of birth missing (living people) Republican Party members of the New Mexico House of Representatives Schoolteachers from New Mexico University of New Mexico alumni University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy and Practice alumni Women state legislators in New Mexico