Melvina Shotpouch was first elected during the tenure of Wilma Mankiller in 1991 and served until 1995.
[1] Shotpouch was re-elected in 2003 alongside Linda Hughes O'Leary to represent the multi-member district 5 of the Cherokee Nation tribal council.
[5] When Buzzard was term limited in 2021 Shotpouch filed to succeed them representing the 10th district.
[6] After a June general election, she advanced to a July runoff with Shaunda Handle-Davis.
[7] She won the runoff election with 58.8% of the vote and was sworn in on August 14, 2021.