Sharon Clahchischilliage

Sharon E. Clahchischilliage^[1] (born 1947/1948)^[2] is an American politician and a former 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. A citizen of the Navajo Nation, she ran unsuccessfully for New Mexico's 3rd congressional district in the 2024 congressional election against incumbent Teresa Leger Fernández.

Sharon Clahchischilliage
Member of New Mexico Public Education Commission
Incumbent
Assumed office 2022
Preceded by	Georgiana Davis
Member of the New Mexico House of Representatives from the 4th district
In office January 15, 2013 – December 31, 2018
Preceded by	Ray Begaye
Succeeded by	Anthony Allison
Personal details
Born	(1948-06-18) June 18, 1948 (age 77) Farmington, New Mexico, U.S.
Nationality	American Navajo Nation
Political party	Republican
Education	University of New Mexico Eastern New Mexico University (BS) University of Pennsylvania (MSW)
Website	Campaign website

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.^[1]

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,^[1] 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.^[1] Her district includes part of West Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Personal life

She is married and has five children.^[1]

Elections

• 2024 To challenge District 3 incumbent Democratic U.S. Representative Teresa Leger Fernandez, Clahchischilliage ran unopposed for the June 4, 2024 Republican Primary, winning with 24,959 votes^[3] but lost the November 5, 2024 general election to Representative Fernandez, who won with 162,342 (56.3%) votes; Clahchischilliage won 126,085 (43.7%) votes.^[4]
• 2012 To challenge District 4 incumbent Democratic Representative Ray Begaye, Clahchischilliage ran unopposed for the June 5, 2012 Republican Primary, winning with 958 votes^[5] and won the November 6, 2012 General election with 5,856 votes (61.4%) against Representative Begaye.^[6]
• 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.