Hopi tribal members elect chairman, vice chairman

KYKOTSMOVI, Ariz. (AP) – A school principal has been elected as the new chairman of the Hopi Tribe in northern Arizona.

Le Roy Shingoitewa  beat out Clark Tenakhongva  for the chairman’s post. Shingoitewa serves as the principal at Moencopi Day School in Tuba City.

Herman Honanie  defeated Leroy Sumatzkuku  for the vice chairman’s seat. Honanie currently serves as the tribe’s health director.

Shingoitewa and Honanie will be sworn in Dec. 1 and will serve a four-year term.

The top two leadership posts had been vacant for nearly a year after the former chairman and vice chairman resigned amid political chaos in the tribal government.

More than 1,600 votes were cast in Wednesday’s general election.