Newly-appointed New Mexico State Senator Shannon Pinto Takes Office

Newly Sworn-in State Senator Shannon Pinto and Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez

Published July 24, 2019

GALLUP, N.M. — On Tuesday, Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez joined Shannon Pinto and her family as she was sworn-in by McKinley County Magistrate Court Judge Virginia A. Yazzie, to serve as the New Mexico State Senator for District 3, during a small ceremony held in Gallup, N.M. Sen. Shannon Pinto was appointed by New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on July 18, to replace her late grandfather and former Sen. John Pinto who passed away in May.

“On behalf of the Navajo people, we congratulate and thank Senator Shannon Pinto and her family for accepting the challenge of serving the people of District 3,” said President Nez. “We stand with you just as you stand with the Navajo people.”

President Nez also recalled the great leadership that late Sen. John Pinto provided for the Navajo people as a member of the state senate from 1977 to the time of his passing in May.

“We were honored and blessed to have a great leader like Senator John Pinto. We look forward to working with Senator Shannon Pinto to support her initiatives and those of her late grandfather,” added President Nez.

Sen. Shannon Pinto is a member of the Navajo Nation and a resident of Tohatchi, N.M. She has Bachelor of Business Administration and Financial Management from the University of New Mexico and an Associates of Arts of Science in Business Administration from the Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute.

Her professional background includes experience in the fields of education, finance, business administration, recreation, and government relations.

“Working together in unity is the key to addressing all the challenges of the Navajo Nation and state of New Mexico. With the leadership of Shannon Pinto, we are looking forward to making positive changes,” said Vice President Lizer.

Council Delegate Edmund Yazzie, and chair of the Eastern Navajo Land Commission, was also in attendance to support Sen. Shannon Pinto and her family and loved ones as she assumed her new role with the New Mexico State Legislature.

“The great Senator John Pinto was a warrior for our people and I’m confident that Senator Shannon Pinto will carry on that strength and determination as she serves our people,” said Delegate Yazzie.