'Birthed into politics': Paulette Jordan's quest to become 1st Native American governor

Paulette Jordan, an Idaho gubernatorial candidate from the Coeur d'Alene tribe, says “she was birthed into politics” and her upbringing helped pave the way for her political quest to become the country’s first Native American governor.

She grew up on a quiet and peaceful ranch surrounded by wildlife, bluegrass, and elders who she describes as self-sufficient, full of wisdom and teachings that she has carried along with her in life.

“We are very connected to the land,” Jordan said about her community. “My community is very independent and based around prayers.”

She was raised around leaders and she felt it was her destiny to become one.

“It’s like I inherited a legacy of leadership because of my lineage,” Jordan said. “My responsibility is to continue this legacy.”

Her grandfather was a chief of their tribe and her Toop’ya (grandmother) was a prominent figure in their community who Jordan cherishes most of her most valued memories with as her hero.

Her Toop’ya was known for being an old, pure soul who never cast judgment on anyone. She was known as the “sweetheart” of the Coeur D’Alene community.

Jordan remembers a time when a member of the tribe was about to face punishment and her Toop’ya intervened to tell others in the community “this is not our way. It’s not who we are as a people.”

Since her death, Jordan, a state legislator, has taken her Toop’ya’s ideologies and used them as her political backbone.

“She was small in size, but powerful in her being,” Jordan said. “She taught me to be good to all people, to be sincere. I learned a lot from her in that regard.”

Jordan cinched Idaho’s recent Democratic gubernatorial primary - a historic win.

The Idaho Statesman in its endorsement of her ahead of the primary said that voters have a choice between electing a traditional candidate or they could "try something – and someone – new".

Former Labor Secretary and Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez recently tweeted his congratulations to Jordan saying " A big congratulations to fellow DNC member and Idaho's Democratic nominee for governor @PauletteEJordan! We are inspired by you and can't wait to see you soar in November."

Jordan says she sees her role as “significant” to other women especially amid the current "pink wave" of an increasing number of female candidates seeking office and the "MeToo" movement of women speaking out about sexual harassment and assault.

“We’re breaking one barrier after another,” she said. “I want to inspire them to do more, feel emboldened to take on leadership roles. I want more young women to feel strong.”

Jordan also views her platform as pressing in this current political climate.

“We were able to draw out an election that hasn’t happened in government before, people are now invested in improving the system overall.”

Jordan has other issues she’s focused on as well such as protecting the environment, expanding education resources, healthcare among other topics.

“When we win in November, there will be a major overhaul,” Jordan said. “We’re reminding people this race is about them and building the community. We’re building one Idaho family for the greater good.”