Chris James, Cherokee business leader, launches bid for Congress in Arizona’s 5th District

By Staff, Cherokee 411

PHOENIX (Aug. 26, 2025) — Chris James, president and CEO of the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development, officially announced Tuesday that he is entering the race for the U.S. House of Representatives in Arizona’s 5th Congressional District.

A descendant of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, James will run as a Democrat in the suburban Phoenix district currently represented by Republican Rep. Andy Biggs, who has held the seat since 2017. The Democratic primary date has not yet been scheduled. The general election is set for Nov. 3, 2026.

“Our democracy is under threat, and families are still struggling to keep up with the cost of living,” James said in his announcement. “Washington needs more leaders who listen, focus on solutions, and show up for the people they represent — not for cable news.”

If elected, James would make history as the first Native American to represent Arizona in Congress.

From Cherokee roots to national leadership

Originally from rural North Carolina, James has led the National Center since 2017. Under his leadership, the nonprofit has nearly doubled its revenue, expanded its client base from 200 to more than 1,000 annually, and increased attendance at its flagship event, the Reservation Economic Summit, by nearly 30 percent. Today, the organization serves more than 4,000 businesses each year, advancing economic opportunity throughout Indian Country.

James’s career also includes senior roles in the Obama administration at the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Small Business Administration. At the SBA, he oversaw initiatives such as Startup in a Day and SupplierPay, both aimed at improving small-business access to capital and accelerating payments from large corporations.

He later directed field operations for the SBA, helping expand financing for veterans, women and minority entrepreneurs.

A competitive race ahead

Arizona’s 5th District, based in the East Valley suburbs of Phoenix, leans Republican but has seen rapid growth and increasing demographic diversity. James framed his campaign as focused on infrastructure, schools and family needs.

“As a husband and father raising my family here in Gilbert, I’ve seen firsthand what’s at stake,” James said. “Our schools need more support. Our roads, water systems, and broadband infrastructure need serious investment.”

The campaign said it will host listening sessions and community events across the district in the coming weeks to gather input from voters.

James joins former Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez as one of two Native American candidates running for Congress in Arizona. Nez is seeking election in the state’s 2nd District.

National Center for American Indian for Enterprise Development President & CEO Chris James speaking at RES 2025.(Photo/Levi Rickert)