(Editor’s note: The deadline for submitting free campaign announcements was 5 p.m. Friday, May 30, 2025).

Sena Yesslith has declared her candidacy for Chief of the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma. Her campaign announcement appears below.

Are you ready for Change?! A change for a Chief who is honest, trustworthy and will put her people before oneself; if so, then I am that Chief you want! Hensci, my name is Sena Yesslith, I am the daughter of Thomasene “Waggie” and the late Anthony “Tony” Davis, my grandparents are the late Bud and Sena Johnson Little, the late Charlie and Flora Mae Butler Davis, the late Ramona Warledo, T.A. Larney and the late Hazel Wood Larney. I have grown up in Seminole Co all but three years of my life, graduating from Varnum High School, attended Bacone College and received my associate’s degree in science from Haskell Indian Nations University. My plan on earning my bachelor’s halted when my dad died of a massive heart attack. I have 24 years of experience in different aspects of Tribal and State entities such as having been employed with the Seminole Nation Casino, Wewoka IHS, Muscogee Creek Casino, contracted DHS Parent Aide, Absentee Shawnee Tribe ICW/ PSSF worker, and Black Hawk Health Center Patient Registration Manager, as well as holding seats on the JOM Parent Committee for Varnum and Strother Schools; held seats on the Seminole Nation Housing Authority Board of Commissioners and Mekusukey Band General Council Representative. I was raised with the notion one day being the voice of my people, to look out for the less fortunate, to help those in need and be the voice of those who are silenced. With the upbringing and encouragement of my aunt, I ran for General Council Representative and held this seat for 12 years. It was during my time employed with the Wewoka IHS that I became aware of just how much my tribe lacked in health, economic development, youth engagement, housing, and funding for all members to be served. The experience I have, the connections I have made over the years, having seen the world from a teen mother’s eyes and domestic violence pushed me to be an advocate for all. I want to see my people succeed and grow as a Nation of successful employees, who serve my people near and far. My compassion has always been helping others; from elders to youth and everyone in between. I want a Nation that is no longer lacking in transparency and/or accountability. Are you ready for someone who will bring the General Council together, someone who truly works for the people, who communicates, has compassion for others, can inspire and motivate others, I am your choice as Chief. I will work very hard to bring the Nation to its feet and stand strong and true for the tribal members. Vote for a leader that will make all of this happen, VOTE SENA YESSLITH as your next Chief of the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma.