In a major decision from the Cherokee Supreme Court, Patrick Henry Lambert has been reinstated as a candidate in the 2025 Tsisqwohi—or Birdtown—Tribal Council election.
On the morning of July 10, the court reversed a previous ruling by the Cherokee Board of Elections, which had disqualified Lambert from the race based on his 2017 impeachment and removal as Principal Chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
The Board had cited a section of tribal code disallowing previously impeached officials from holding office. Lambert challenged the decision, arguing that the Charter and Governing Document of the tribe—its foundational legal authority—does not impose such a restriction. The court agreed, stating that only qualifications specifically listed in the Charter, such as age, residency, and enrollment, may be enforced.
The Supreme Court heard oral arguments from both sides, with Lambert representing himself and the Board of Elections represented by attorney Craig Jacobson. The justices ultimately determined that the Board exceeded its authority by imposing qualifications not explicitly authorized in the Charter.
As a result of the ruling, the Board of Elections will now conduct a primary election in the Birdtown community. That primary is scheduled for this Thursday, July 17, and will take place at the Birdtown Community Building from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
