The Grand Traverse Band (GTB) of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians released its unofficial results from its 2026 primary election held Tuesday. Out of the total 16 candidates that were on the ballot, the top six were narrowed down to: David Arroyo with 128 votes; Francis Carew with 132 votes; Noondin Amanda-Jo McSauby Jones with 105 votes; Ryan Memberto with 131 votes; Brian Napont with 107; and David Wonegeshik with 111 votes.
The six candidates will move on to be on the ballot for the GTB’s general election set for May 5.
According to the GTB election regulations, the general election will be conducted to fill three tribal council positions that expire upon the election and the swearing in of their successors.
The tribal council members whose terms are expiring this year include: Tina Frankenberger, Brian Napont, and Jane Rohl. In the general election, the candidates for tribal councilor receiving the three highest number of votes will be deemed to be elected for a term expiring in May 2030.
The highest GTB primary election voter turnout was in Peshawbestown, with a total of 585 votes cast, followed by Traverse City with 470 votes; Benzie with 172 votes; Charlevoix with 116 votes; and 79 absentee ballots cast. If there are no election challenges filed, primary election results will be certified by the end of the day on April 9.
The tribal council, which is composed of a chairperson and six tribal council members, serves a GTB membership base of more than 4,000. The GTB’s six-county service area includes Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Grand Traverse, Leelanau, and Manistee. The council promotes and protects the wellbeing of its “present and future members through culture, sovereignty, treaty rights, natural resources, health, public safety, education, financial management, housing and agriculture,” and will be responsive to the needs and statements of tribal members.
