Gov. Appoints Shannon Pinto to Senate

Friday, July 19, 2019 at 2:11 PM

Shannon Pinto will serve the remainder of her grandfather’s term in Senate District 3. She was nominated to fill the vacancy by the San Juan County Commission.

From the Office of the Governor

Thursday, July 18, 2019

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Thursday appointed Shannon Pinto to the Senate seat left vacant after the May death of her grandfather, the Navajo Code Talker and New Mexico icon, Sen. John Pinto. Sen. Pinto will serve the remainder of her grandfather’s term in Senate District 3. She was nominated to fill the vacancy by the San Juan County Commission.

Pinto, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, is an educator, having worked as both a middle school and high school math teacher in Tohatchi, New Mexico. She earned an associate’s degree in business administration from the Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute and a bachelor’s
in financial management from the University of New Mexico. “John could not have asked for a finer or more qualified successor,” Gov. Lujan Grisham said. “Shannon Pinto will, I am certain, represent her constituents with unfailing integrity and heart. I know her to share her grandfather’s people-first values. John’s legacy in this state is untouchable, and I expect Shannon will make him very proud.”

“The Nez-Lizer Administration congratulates Shannon Pinto, and we look forward to working together with her,” Navajo Nation Jonathan Nez said. “Gov. Lujan Grisham’s appointment is in line with the wishes of the late Sen. John Pinto, who served our people with great dignity for many years.”

“I’m honored and humbled beyond words,” Pinto said. “I spent countless days with my grandfather as he conducted his constituents’ business across the district, the state and beyond. I miss him very much, but my heart is full with his memory, and I am glad I was able to learn from him firsthand. As a teacher in a remote part of this state, I understand the unique problems facing our students and our schools. I will fight for students, educators, our schools and small businesses; I will fight for common sense gun violence prevention measures; I will be a champion for efforts that support women and their personal health care decisions. Ultimately I will represent my district and my constituents as my grandfather did, with all the humility and wisdom that I have.”

More from Local News

Former Dallas Cowboy Shiyazh Pete visits Alma Mater: Shiprock High School

Shiyazh Pete went on from Shiprock High to play college football at New Mexico State University and the University of Kentucky before signing and training with the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent. He returned to Shiprock High School to share what he learned along the way and to encourage Chieftain students and athletes as they begin a new season.
Judge: SunRay Can't Move Horse Racing & Casino to Clovis

In February, San Juan County Commissioners voted to seek judicial review of the New Mexico Racing Commission’s decision to authorize Western Gaming to move its racing license to Clovis, NM. The Racing Commission’s decision, at the request of Western Gaming, would have ended San Juan County’s long heritage of horse racing at a county-owned facility.
NM Rep. Joseph Hernandez Ends Re-Election Campaign

In his statement, Hernandez says, "At this time, I believe the best decision for me and those I love is to focus on my health and my family, while continuing to serve the community that entrusted me with this office through the remainder of my term."
Suspect Arrested after Sexual Assault

During the investigation, officers learned that a male and female who knew each other had been in the area of the disc golf course. Neither individual was a student or staff member of San Juan College. The female victim reported that an altercation occurred between her and the male, Tyson Saggboy. She reported that Saggboy battered her, removed her clothing, and strangled her before fleeing the scene.
Ground Broken for new STEAM Education Building at Navajo Prep

The new Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) Facility will provide expanded space for Navajo Prep’s International Baccalaureate program and career-focused pathways.
Farmington Man Sentenced on Child Porn Conviction

Earlier this week, Jacob Marriott was sentenced after pleading guilty to 4 counts of Manufacturing of Child Pornography (2nd Degree Felony), 1 count of Possession of Child Pornography (4th Degree Felony), and 2 counts of Voyeurism of a Child Under 18 (3rd Degree Felony).