Meet Eric

Standing Up for AZ District 2

Eric Descheenie is a father, public servant and proud Native of Arizona, running for Congress to fight for dignity, justice and opportunity in every corner of the 2nd District.

He was born in the rural community of Tuba City, Arizona, and raised in the East Valley of the Phoenix Metro Area, where his mother pursued her dream of becoming a nurse. Growing up, Eric was known as the kid who couldn’t get enough of basketball—and never missed a Phoenix Suns game. But even in the city, his family never lost touch with their roots.

Eric at 11 years old

Eric is Diné (Navajo), originally from Chinle, Arizona, on the Navajo Nation. Though he didn’t grow up there, his family’s connection to the land runs deep. His mother, grandmother, and generations of women before them were born and raised in Chinle. In Diné knowledge, identity is tied to matrilineal ancestry, place and clan—a living thread that connects past to present.

Eric is Ma'ii deeshgiizhinii (Coyote Pass People Clan), born for Kiyaa'aanii (Towering House Clan). His maternal grandfathers are Bit'ahnii (Within His Cover Clan), and his paternal grandfathers are Honághááhnii (One Who Walks Around Clan).

He attended Arizona State University and earned his degree in Sociology. In 2004, he began his career in public service with the Arizona Governor’s Office of Equal Opportunity. From there, he became Tribal Liaison for the Arizona Department of Housing, managing the Governor’s Tribal Housing Initiative and advocating for Native communities long overlooked by state leadership.

In 2009, Eric and his family moved back to Diné ancestral land—first to Chinle, then to Window Rock—so his sons could grow up grounded in the stories, land and traditions that shaped generations before them. He held leadership roles across the Navajo Nation government, including with the Office of the Speaker and Office of the President and Vice President, and with Navajo County government.

Eric’s three sons in hooghan on Halloween

In 2013, Eric and his sons lived in a hooghan—a traditional Diné home with dirt floors, no running water, and, for a time, no electricity. It was one of the most meaningful chapters of their lives. They learned how little you truly need to feel secure, how much a community can offer when systems fall short and why housing, clean water and energy access should never be political. That experience didn’t just shape Eric’s values—it solidified his mission to bring those lessons to Congress and fight for every family still waiting to be seen.

In 2016, Eric was elected to the Arizona House of Representatives, serving from 2017 to 2018. His district included many of the communities now part of Arizona’s 2nd Congressional District. While in office, he became a leading voice for Native rights, education, and sustainable development.

His leadership has reached the global stage. In 2018, he served as a delegate to the United Nations Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in Geneva, Switzerland. In 2019, he spoke at Chiang Mai University in Thailand about how Indigenous Peoples are building inclusive, accountable, and peaceful societies. And in 2023, he joined an international exchange in Victoria, Australia, connecting with Indigenous leaders from across the world to share knowledge on protecting rivers and ancestral lands.

Speaking in the AZ House gallery during the Red for Ed Movement

In 2022, inspired by his youngest son trying out for the team, Eric became a basketball coach at Mt. Elden Middle School. Watching his children grow, discover their passions and find their voice remains his greatest pride.

Today, Eric lives in Flagstaff, Arizona, with his three sons—and he’s running for Congress to ensure every child, every family, and every community has the chance to live with dignity, rootedness and hope.

Eric with his son on Opening Day at the AZ Capitol