Cara Cowan Watts touted her status as the only woman in the race; if elected, she would be the Cherokee Nation's first female principal chief since 2011.

Wes Nofire said his top priority would be to reduce wasteful spending by the Cherokee government.

David Cornsilk pledged to reform the tribal court system and increase access to healthcare and housing.

[4] Hoskin's challengers accused him of mismanaging COVID relief funds, giving unnecessary pay raises to elected officials, not doing enough to preserve Cherokee culture, and failing to ensure adequate staffing at healthcare facilities.

Walkingstick's attorney, former Cherokee Nation principal chief Chad Smith, described the ruling as a "political stunt.