Early Sunday morning, it was announced that incumbent Chief Greg P. Chilcoat had been defeated by Lewis J. Johnson as a result of the Seminole Nation’s July 10 election. The newly elected Chief Johnson expressed his thanks to his supporters for the win on Monday morning. “I am so grateful for the overwhelming support from friends, family, and our Seminole Members, I do covet your prayers for wisdom as to lead such a great people,” assured Chief Elect Johnson. The oath of office ceremony will take place on the third Saturday in September.

In order to determine the Assistant Chief position, a runoff election will be held on August 7 between candidates Anthony Wood and Brian Palmer. According to a statement released by the Seminole Nation, this is in line with the tribe’s constitution, which affirms, “If a candidate for Chief or Assistant Chief does not receive the required majority of votes cast, a run-off election shall be held four weeks after the first election, and subject to all the rules and requirements of a regular general election. In the event of a run-off election, only the names of the two candidates with the highest number of votes shall appear on the ballot.”

The full unofficial vote tally for the 2021 election stands is:

-General Council-

Bruner Band

Anthony Conley

Leeta Osborne-Sampson

Dosar Barkus

Terry Loy Edwards

Anastasia Artemis Pittman

Eufaula

Nancy Lou B Fixico

Ida Lorraine Gonzales Fushutche

Tamara Yvonne Downey

Emet Leon Petete

Hecete

Joseph D. Billie

Delois Harjo

Hvteyicvlke

Ann Janette Borba

Karen Therese Fullbright Mekesukey

Stephanie Lambert

Ocese

Ella Mae Colman

Shirley Jennett Watkins

Tallahassee

Charlie Hill

Katherine Marie McCoy

Tom Palmer

Tiffany Michelle Cully

Danita Gay Holata Harjo

Tusekia Harjo

Willis Eugene Deatherage

Desiray A Emerton