Full Profile · From the Interview Record
Johnny Russell Jr.
B · From the record Summaries are drawn from Cal Nez’s interview. Quotations are not published until checked against the recording. How we verify →
Candidate Snapshot
Background & Why They’re Running
Russell framed his platform around remaking the administration across all three branches, a pay increase, and bringing skilled and highly educated Navajos — including scientists — back to design and build for the Nation; he also named the Land Board and veterans among his priorities.
Where Johnny Russell Jr. Stands
Each topic below is drawn from the interview — the question Cal asked, and a short summary of the answer, generated by AI from the interview recording.
Economic Development & Construction
Cal asked: Should small business or the enterprises be the backbone?
As a contractor, Russell argued the Nation should build its own capacity rather than import firms like James Construction or LTA — the tradesmen and skills already exist on the Nation, with many driving hours off-reservation for work. He questioned enterprise pricing (citing a roughly $70,000 figure for a small restroom addition) and said NECA doesn't build houses.
ZenniHome & the Enterprises
Cal asked: What about the ZenniHome deal and the enterprises?
Russell said he predicted the ZenniHome failure from the start — no one could build 600 homes in a month — and that the company took the money and disappeared; he would instead build trailers and homes with Navajo welders and labor. He also questioned why NAPI and the casinos benefit outside owners while Navajos are “middle persons.”
Health Care & 638
Cal asked: As president, do you support the 638 concept?
Russell was candid that he isn't familiar with 638 and would research it before answering; on health care generally he emphasized getting the right doctors, nurses, and staff in place and running the system on the Nation's own terms.
Veterans
Cal asked: What would you do for veterans?
Russell would build Navajo veteran hospitals across the five agencies so veterans don't have to travel to Salt Lake, Denver, or Phoenix, with federal and state support.
Tradition, Education & Infrastructure
Cal asked: How much Navajo tradition belongs in government, and what about educated Navajos and broadband?
Russell said Navajo tradition is important to bring into the three-branch government, would pay educated Navajos (master's and doctorate holders) according to their skills, and spoke candidly about the broadband gap from his own area's experience with an unreliable nearby tower.
In Their Own Words
Verbatim from the interview (auto-transcribed; lightly trimmed for length):
“In other words, take out all the bad apples, put the new apples in there.”
Topics in the Interview
- Platform
- Economic Development & Construction
- ZenniHome & the Enterprises
- Health Care & 638
- Veterans
- Tradition, Education & Infrastructure