Benny Shendo Jr. is hoping to become the second American Indian in the U.S. Congress.

Shendo, who is from Jemez Pueblo, is seeking the Democratic nomination for New Mexico's 3rd Congressional District Though he trails in campaign funds to the other two candidates, he says his experience in state government, tribal government and education give him an edge.

Shendo, 43, was the the state's first secretary of Indian affairs under Gov. BIll Richardson (D). He has served as 1st and 2nd lieutenant governor of his tribe worked for the University of New Mexico and Stanford University

The only American Indian in Congress right now is Rep. Tom Cole (R-Oklahoma), a member of the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma.

Get the Story:
Shendo: Only American Indian in race says he has most experience (The Santa Fe New Mexican 5/18)

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