Four candidates for the newly-created New Mexico Senate District 30 appeared a tribal forum on Saturday.

Acoma Pueblo, Laguna Pueblo, Zuni Pueblo and the Alamo Chapter of the Navajo Nation hosted the forum. It was billed as the first ever candidates' forum in Indian Country for a statewide office.

Native Americans make up a significant percentage of the population in Senate District 30. The candidates all expressed support for tribal sovereignty and strong government-to-government relations.

Nearly all the candidates have experience with tribal issues. David Ulibarri, the incumbent, has sponsored bills to benefit tribes and tribal members.

Randy Collins, an attorney, serves as a judge for Acoma Pueblo.

Maxine Velasquez, also an attorney, is making her first fun for political office. She is a member of Laguna Pueblo.

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State Senate District 30 candidates tout positions on tribal issues (The Cibola Beacon 3/27)