Native Vote 2024. The longtime leader of the Pechanga Band of Indians Mark Macarro has endorsed Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris over Republican Donald Trump for president. In a video message released last Wednesday, Macarro says Harris respects “our ideals of self-governance and self-determination.”
The Pechanga Band is located in southern California and interacted with Harris when she served as California’s attorney general.
“I’m Mark Macarro, and I’ve been the chairman of my tribe, the Pechanga Band of Indians in Southern California for the last 30 years. Vice President Harris has been a partner to Indian Country and a critical voice behind the Biden-Harris administration’s unprecedented accomplishments for tribal nations.
As president, Kamala Harris will continue this progress. She respects our ideals of self-governance and self-determination. She’s demonstrated respect for tribal sovereignty and the federal government’s trust and treaty obligations. We have a clear choice to make between two different visions for America.
This choice comes down to which candidate is most likely to respect tribal sovereignty and continue the progress Indian country has seen over the last four years. This election is about the future, not the past. I know that Indian Country and America’s best days are still ahead of us. If we elect the right leaders, do the hard work, and come together as one people.
That’s why I’m proud to endorse my friend, fellow Californian, Kamala Harris for President of the United States.”
In addition to serving as chairman of the Pechanga Band, Maccaro serves as president of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI). He was elected president of NCAI last fall at the organization’s annual convention in New Orleans.
Macarro’s endorsement was made on behalf of himself and his tribe, but not NCAI, a national Native American organization that maintains a non-partisan stance during elections.
More Stories Like This
Native News Weekly (August 25, 2024): D.C. BriefsNative News Weekly (August 4, 2024): D.C. Briefs
Federal Government Shutdown Averted: How Native Americans in Congress Voted
CALL TO ACTION: The Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act Needs Immediate Action
Q&A with Outgoing Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland
Can we take a minute to talk about tribal sovereignty?
Sovereignty isn't just a concept – it's the foundation of Native nations' right to govern, protect our lands, and preserve our cultures. Every story we publish strengthens tribal sovereignty.
Unlike mainstream media, we center Indigenous voices and report directly from Native communities. When we cover land rights, water protection, or tribal governance, we're not just sharing news – we're documenting our living history and defending our future.
Our journalism is powered by readers, not shareholders. If you believe in the importance of Native-led media in protecting tribal sovereignty, consider supporting our work today.
Right now, your support goes twice as far. Thanks to a generous $35,000 matching fund, every dollar you give during December 2024 will be doubled to protect sovereignty and amplify Native voices.
No paywalls. No corporate owners. Just independent, Indigenous journalism.
