Jasmine Blackwater-Nygren
Jasmine Blackwater-Nygren | |
|---|---|
Blackwater-Nygren in 2022 | |
| First Lady of the Navajo Nation | |
| Assumed office January 10, 2023 | |
| President | Buu Nygren |
| Preceded by | Phefelia Nez |
| Member of the Arizona House of Representatives from the 7th district | |
| In office February 9, 2021 – January 9, 2023 Serving with Myron Tsosie | |
| Preceded by | Arlando Teller |
| Succeeded by | David Marshall |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Jasmine Blackwater April 18, 1995 |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Buu Nygren |
| Alma mater | Stanford University (BA) Arizona State University (JD) |
Jasmine Blackwater-Nygren (née Blackwater; born 1995/1996) is an American politician who has served as the First Lady of Navajo Nation since 2023. She also served as a member of the Arizona House of Representatives from the 7th legislative district from 2021 to 2023, when she was the youngest lawmaker in Arizona.[1]
In December 2024, she was appointed as the Apache County Attorney, becoming the first woman and Indigenous person to hold this position. [2]
Political career
Blackwater-Nygren was appointed to Arizona's 7th legislative district after Democrat Arlando Teller resigned to take a position in the United States Department of Transportation.[3] She did not run for election in 2022.
In December 2024, following the suspension of Michael Whiting due to investigations into alleged misuse of county funds and threats against political opponents, Blackwater-Nygren was appointed as Apache County Attorney by the Board of Supervisors. She was selected over two other candidates, Devin Brown and Criss Candelaria, with a 2–1 vote. Concerns were raised about potential conflicts of interest due to her role as First Lady of the Navajo Nation and her residence in Red Mesa. Blackwater-Nygren addressed these concerns by committing to recuse herself from any conflicts and emphasizing her frequent presence in Window Rock, close to the county seat in St. Johns. Her stated priorities include enhancing public safety, filling staff vacancies, and improving office morale.[2]
Personal life
Blackwater-Nygren is a member of the Navajo Nation and is married to Buu Nygren, who became President of the Navajo Nation on January 10, 2023.[4]
References
- ^ Gómez, Laura (February 11, 2021). "Jasmine Blackwater-Nygren sworn in as youngest Arizona lawmaker". Arizona Mirror. Retrieved February 11, 2021.
- ^ a b Carroll, Mason (December 17, 2024). "Jasmine Blackwater-Nygren voted Apache County attorney after legal drama saga". Arizona's Family. Retrieved May 22, 2025.
- ^ Oxford, Andrew. "Arizona Democratic lawmaker Arlando Teller resigns to take position with Biden administration". AZCentral.
- ^ Fonseca, Felicia (November 9, 2022). "Buu Nygren wins Navajo Nation president, beats incumbent". Washington Post. AP.