The Senate held a public hearing on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at 9 a.m. in the Swinomish Senate Chamber to consider appeals of the December 1, 2025, Candidate Certification. At the hearing, the Senate reviewed the Swinomish Election Code, the administrative record, and the oral and written statements presented at the hearing.
After careful deliberation, the Senate finds that STC 2-01.120(C)(7) requires a candidate to submit to a drug test no later than nine (9) days prior to the closing date for applications. This year, the closing date was November 19, 2025. Accordingly, the Senate affirms the certifications of six (6) candidates who submitted to a drug test on or before November 10, 2025. Those candidates are: James Bobb, Greg Edwards, Lena Joe, Kevin Paul, Brian Porter, and Tandy Wilbur.
The Senate reverses the certification of the three (3) candidates who submitted to a drug test after November 10, 2025, on the basis that these candidates did not fulfill all of the candidate eligibility requirements under STC 2-01.120(C)(7). Those individuals are: Jesse Edwards, Dave Johnston, and Joseph Williams. The Senate makes this decision consistent with the sworn oath taken by all Swinomish Senators to uphold the Constitution and laws of the Tribe.
The Election Board and Election Officer shall take steps promptly to issue and post updated notices reflecting the six (6) certified candidates affirmed for the 2026 Election.
It is so ordered by the Swinomish Senate this 11th day of December, 2025.