In the first weeks of the Congressional candidacy filing period, five Osages have announced their intentions to run for office with four incumbents seeking re-election so far in the June 3 Osage Nation General Election.
The filing period started Feb. 6 for Osages interested in seeking election to the six opening seats on the 9th ON Congress. Prospective candidates have until March 12 to file for candidacy with the Wahzhazhe Elections Office in Pawhuska.
On the first day, Congressmen Joe Tillman and John Maker were the first and second candidates to file when the Election Office opened at 8 a.m. Maker is seeking his fourth Congressional term and Tillman is seeking a third term on the 12-member Congress.
Later that morning, incumbent Jodie Revard filed for candidacy. Revard, who served on the 31st Osage Tribal Council under the former government, is seeking her second Congressional term.
On Feb. 8, Traci Phillips filed for candidacy seeking elected ON office for her first time. Phillips previously served on the ON Gaming Enterprise Board and is an electronics recycling company CEO.
Incumbent Billy Keene was the fifth individual to file for candidacy on Feb. 12. Keene is seeking a second Congressional four-year term.
Those seeking Congressional Office must be enrolled Osages, at least 25 years old on Election Day and have never been convicted of a felony, according to the 2006 Osage Constitution. Those who file for Congressional candidacy must pay a $300 filing fee to the Election Office.
At the time of filing for candidacy, prospective candidates must show proof of having a separate bank account in the candidate’s name or the candidate’s campaign. All candidates will be required to provide two campaign reporting statements listing campaign donations and expenditures out of the campaign bank account, according to the election rules and regulations.
For more information on the elections, filing for candidacy, or to register or update addresses for voting, and to request absentee ballots, contact the Election Office toll-free at (877) 560-5286 or visit: https://www.osagenation-nsn.gov/what-we-do/elections
