Benny Shendo Jr., the former Secretary of Indian Affairs for the state of New Mexico, is announcing his run for U.S. Congress today.
Shendo, 43, is making the announcement at Jemez Pueblo. He told The Santa Fe New Mexican he was inspired to join the race by his former boss, Gov. Bill Richardson (D), who is running for president.
"I've always had an interest in politics and in helping the disadvantaged," Shendo said, "and I've always seen education as the key, but I think I began to see how much an individual could make a difference."
Shendo joins a crowded field of competitors to represent the 3rd Congressional district. Derrith Watchman-Moore, a member of the Navajo Nation who also works for Richardson, is considering a run.
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