Three Navajo Democrats Endorse Petersen For Arizona Attorney General

Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen’s campaign announced endorsements from three Navajo Nation members it identified as Democrats, citing public safety and justice for missing and murdered Indigenous people in his bid for attorney general.

The campaign’s announcement, accompanied by a Petersen post on X, includes statements from Larsinda Yazzie of Chinle, Theodore Begay and a woman identified by her first name, Glenda, who said she is part of Black Mountain Rescue in Pinon.

MORE DEMOCRATS ENDORSE WARREN PETERSEN FOR AG

They know I am serious about bringing justice to victims and their families. Honored to have their support. pic.twitter.com/BvuhErQmvT

— Warren Petersen (@votewarren) September 28, 2026

The endorsements follow Democratic state Rep. Lydia Hernandez’s Sept. 18 announcement supporting Petersen over incumbent Democratic Attorney General Kris Mayes. Hernandez, who represents Legislative District 24, cited the safety of families, students and schools in explaining her decision.

In the new endorsement statements, the Navajo supporters emphasized the need for attention to missing and murdered Indigenous people and protection for their communities.

“Our people deserve to be seen. Our families deserve answers, and our missing and murdered indigenous people deserve a voice,” Yazzie said in the campaign release. “That is why I am voting for Warren Petersen for Arizona Attorney General.”

Yazzie identified herself as Diné and said her support was intended to bring attention to the crisis and ensure Navajo communities are remembered.

Glenda explicitly identified herself as a Democrat and connected her endorsement to her involvement with Black Mountain Rescue.

“My name is Glenda. I am Navajo. I am a Democrat, and I am voting for Warren Petersen for Arizona Attorney General,” she said. “He will bring help and justice to our murdered and missing Navajo people.”

Begay also identified himself as a Democrat and said Petersen would help protect Navajo communities.

“He knows the laws and protections we need for our people. He will help restore law and order for our people,” Begay said. “We really need help for our people, and Warren Petersen will bring this protection for our Navajo People.”

The campaign presented the endorsements as support for Petersen’s approach to public safety and for giving Navajo families a voice in the Attorney General’s Office.

“Throughout my time in public service, I have worked with people from different communities, backgrounds, and political perspectives to advance the interests of the people we serve,” Petersen said in the announcement.

“As Attorney General, I will ensure communities across Arizona have a seat at the table as we work to uphold the law, promote public safety, and seek justice for victims and their families.”

The calls for greater protection come amid federal investigative efforts and scrutiny of Arizona’s response to crimes affecting Native Americans. As the California Globe reported in April, Operation Not Forgotten 2026 expanded investigative and victim-support resources for unresolved violent crimes in tribal communities. The effort included assignments to the FBI’s Phoenix Field Office and coordination with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Bureau of Indian Affairs Missing and Murdered Unit.

In separate Globe coverage in May, State Sen. Carine Werner (R-Scottsdale) sought additional federal action after receiving whistleblower allegations of continued Medicaid fraud, patient brokering and abuse targeting Native American patients. Werner said she forwarded the evidence to state and federal authorities and sought prosecutions and asset forfeiture proceedings.

Mayes disputed Werner’s criticism of the state’s response. At a May press conference covered in that report, Mayes said her office had secured 140 indictments and 41 convictions in Medicaid fraud investigations since 2023. She also said her investigators had met with Werner and confirmed that the FBI already had an open investigation involving the people and entities identified in the whistleblower material.

Arizona’s general election is Nov. 3. Early voting begins Oct. 7, and the voter-registration deadline is Oct. 5.