IAN’S BACKGROUND

Ian Teller is a Diné leader from Tsaile, Arizona, of the Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water) Clan, born for the Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House) Clan. His maternal grandfather is of the Mą’íí deeshgizhinii (Coyote Pass) Clan, and his paternal grandfather is of the Tó’aheedlíinii (Water Flow Together) Clan. He was raised in rural Tsaile, Arizona and is guided by the values of his family, culture, and community.

About | Ian Teller for Arizona

He holds a B.A. in Business Administration from Fort Lewis College and an M.S. in Music Industry from the University of Southern California. He is the founder of When Natives Vote, a youth-led initiative focused on increasing civic engagement in Native communities, and serves as Southwestern Representative for the Young Democrats of America Indigenous Caucus.

Ian Teller is from Tsaile, Arizona, where he was raised. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in business administration from Fort Lewis College and a Master of Science in music industry from the University of Southern California.

Beyond his civic work, Ian Teller is deeply committed to advancing opportunity through philanthropy. He currently serves as a Development Officer at Diné College, the oldest tribally accredited institution in the nation, where he works to build resources that directly support Native students and strengthen higher education across the Navajo Nation.

Ian currently works as a development officer at Diné College.

Ian Teller - Ballotpedia

Ian is a first-time candidate for political office.

2026 Arizona General Election

A key part of Ian’s plan is addressing the barriers that hold Tribal and rural economies back. Today, many businesses operating on Native lands face dual taxation—paying both state and Tribal taxes—which discourages investment and limits growth. Ian will work to draft legislation that eliminates this burden and creates a fairer, more competitive environment for businesses.

Platform | Ian Teller for Arizona

He also supports establishing targeted tax credits for businesses that choose to operate on Tribal lands, helping to attract investment, create jobs, and build long-term economic stability. By empowering local entrepreneurs and removing structural barriers, Ian’s goal is to make Arizona more affordable while driving sustainable economic growth in Tribal and rural communities.

He will work to expand affordable housing, cut red tape that delays construction, and strengthen partnerships with Tribes to ensure solutions are community-driven. Ian’s goal is to spur a new generation of housing that is innovative, accessible, and built for the future—so every family has a place to call home.

Plans to draft legislation eliminating dual state and Tribal taxation for businesses operating on Native lands.

Supports targeted tax credits for businesses that operate on Tribal lands.

Plans to expand affordable housing, reduce construction delays, and partner with Tribes on community-driven housing solutions.

- Plans to draft legislation eliminating dual state and Tribal taxation for businesses operating on Native lands.
- Supports targeted tax credits for businesses that operate on Tribal lands.
- Plans to expand affordable housing, reduce construction delays, and partner with Tribes on community-driven housing solutions.

Economy

As of October 11, 2026, Ian Teller’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Public Safety

Healthcare

Ian believes every student deserves a high-quality education—without fear of financial barriers. He is committed to strengthening public schools in Tribal and rural communities, ensuring students have the resources, teachers, and programs they need to succeed.

No child should be afraid to go to school because their family can’t afford supplies, activities, or basic support. Ian also champions higher education access, working to support institutions like Diné College and other Tribal colleges so that the next generation of Native leaders can thrive.

Is committed to strengthening public schools in Tribal and rural communities with resources, teachers, and programs.

Supports higher-education access and Tribal colleges, including Diné College.

- Is committed to strengthening public schools in Tribal and rural communities with resources, teachers, and programs.
- Supports higher-education access and Tribal colleges, including Diné College.

Education

A cornerstone of Ian’s plan is establishing a State-Tribal Climate Accord, creating a formal partnership between Arizona and Tribal governments to coordinate climate action, protect water resources, and promote sustainable land management. He also supports investments in renewable energy, conservation programs, and infrastructure that safeguard both the environment and local livelihoods.

For Ian, protecting the land and water isn’t just an environmental issue—it’s a matter of justice. He believes Tribal communities must have a central voice in decisions that affect their lands and resources, ensuring that climate solutions are equitable, locally driven, and resilient for generations to come.

Proposes a State-Tribal Climate Accord to coordinate climate action, protect water resources, and promote sustainable land management.

Supports investments in renewable energy, conservation programs, and infrastructure to protect the environment and local livelihoods.

Believes Tribal communities must have a central voice in decisions affecting their lands and resources.

- Proposes a State-Tribal Climate Accord to coordinate climate action, protect water resources, and promote sustainable land management.
- Supports investments in renewable energy, conservation programs, and infrastructure to protect the environment and local livelihoods.
- Believes Tribal communities must have a central voice in decisions affecting their lands and resources.

Energy & the Environment

Ian’s civic engagement work is rooted in empowering communities across Arizona, particularly in Native communities. As a Diné organizer, he has led voter outreach, community education, and grassroots efforts that mobilize young people and expand access to the democratic process.

Led voter outreach, community education, and grassroots efforts to mobilize young people and expand access to the democratic process.

- Led voter outreach, community education, and grassroots efforts to mobilize young people and expand access to the democratic process.

Voting & Elections

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Ian Teller

Isaac Brickman

Buket Urgen

Brendan Trachsel

Mae Peshlakai

- Your state representatives represent the interests of your local district in the Arizona State House of Representatives. The State House of Representatives, along with the State Senate, makes up the state lawmaking body: the Arizona Legislature.
- Your state representatives can author, sponsor, and vote on bills that may become state laws.
- Arizona has 30 districts, and each district is represented by two State Representatives, making a total of 60 State Representatives.
- State Representatives are elected to two-year terms. They are paid a yearly salary of $24,000. They only serve in the role part-time.

Your representative and state lawmaker in the Arizona House of Representatives