Politics & Government
King, Wright, Gumbs Are Victors in Shinnecock Election
Gordell Wright and Lance Gumbs returned to Shinnecock Nation Board of Trustees after short absence.
The , who pride themselves on being the "oldest self-governing tribe of Indians in the United States," held their annual trustee election Tuesday, re-electing one incumbent and returning two former trustees to the board.
Trustee Chairman Randy King received the most votes, earning a seventh one-year term.
Gordell Wright , but came in second in Tuesday's race, retaking his seat on the board. This is his fourth term.
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Lance Gumbs placed in third, returning him to the board for a ninth term after a one-year absense.
Incumbent Trustee Fred Bess, who has served six terms, came up short, ending in fourth with 100 votes, 19 behind Gumbs.
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In the 2011 race, Bess and Gumbs tied for third initially, but . According to the tribe, it was the first runoff the Shinnecocks ever had since adopting the three-trustee system in 1792.
Incumbent Gerrod Smith did not seek re-election in 2012.
Full results:
Randy King: 177
Gordell Wright: 125
Lance A. Gumbs: 119
Fred Bess: 100
Michelle Johnson: 60
Jennifer Cuffee-Wilson: 21
