Hicks & Sneed Advance to General Election in EBCI Primary

CHEROKEE, N.C. (Cherokee411) — Former Principal Chief Michell Hicks surged ahead in the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) 2025 primary election held July 18, capturing the top spot in the race for Principal Chief and setting the stage for a general election rematch with incumbent Chief Richard Sneed.

Hicks led with 1,075 votes, followed by Sneed with 548, and Robert Saunooke with 441. Gary Ledford (254), Gene Crowe Jr. (141), and Lori Taylor (117) were eliminated from the race.

For Vice Chief, no primary was held. Both Alan B. Ensley and Teresa McCoy will advance to the general election in September.

Tribal Council Races

In Birdtown, five candidates competed in a tight race. Incumbent Jim Owle edged out Boyd Owle by just four votes, receiving 362 votes to Boyd’s 358. Albert Rose (253), Cyndi Lambert (244), and Joi Owle (109) rounded out the field. The top four vote-getters advance.

Big Cove held no primary; all four candidates—Carla Pheasant Neadeau, Richard French, Perry Shell, and Venita Wolfe—will appear on the general election ballot.

In Painttown, Sean “Michael” Stamper led with 239 votes, followed by Dike Sneed (134), Jeff Thompson (129), and Carolyn West (64). Andre Brown (51) and Richard Delano Huskey (20) did not advance.

Yellowhill saw David Wolfe finish first with 191 votes, ahead of Tom Wahnetah (121), Stephanie Saunooke French (107), and T.W. Saunooke (101). Ernest Tiger (81) was eliminated.

Snowbird/Cherokee County held no primary. All three candidates—Janell Rattler, Adam Wachacha, and Bucky Brown—advance.

Wolftown/Big Y featured a competitive race with Bo Crowe in the lead at 400 votes. He was followed closely by Mike Parker (307) and Andrew Oocumma (305). Peanut Crowe (156), Chelsea Taylor (70), and Qiana Powell (22) did not advance.

School Board Elections

In Yellowhill, Jennifer Lynn Thompson advances unopposed.

Painttown will see Micah Swimmer (162 votes) and Regina Rosario (97) on the general election ballot. Keyonna Hornbuckle (76) was eliminated.

In Big Y, both candidates—Samantha Crowe-Hernandez and Tara Reed-Cooper—advance without a primary.

What’s Next

The General Election is scheduled for Thursday, September 5, 2025, where voters will select the next Principal Chief, Vice Chief, Tribal Council members, and School Board representatives. The election will be administered by the EBCI Board of Elections. Voters must be enrolled members of the EBCI and meet residency and registration requirements.