Pearson, Reels Elected to Mashantucket Tribal Council
Matthew Pearson and Scott Reels Jr. won three-year seats on the seven-member council, and Michele Scott was chosen as vice chairperson.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Native American
The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation held Tribal Council elections on November 1, 2026, at its Community Center in Mashantucket, Connecticut. Matthew Pearson, the incumbent Secretary, and Scott Reels Jr. were each elected to three-year terms, and Michele Scott was selected as vice chairperson.
Why it matters
The seven-member council governs the federally recognized tribe in southeastern Connecticut, so its composition shapes tribal governance for the coming term. The new members will begin serving on January 4, 2027.
The Tribal Council has seven members, and the newly elected members serve three-year terms. The extraction does not report vote counts or the prior composition of the council.
The players
Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation
A federally recognized Indian tribe in southeastern Connecticut that operates its own government and tribal enterprises, including Foxwoods El San Juan in Puerto Rico.
Matthew Pearson
The incumbent Secretary of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation who was elected to a three-year Tribal Council term.
Scott Reels Jr.
A member of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation who was elected to a three-year Tribal Council term.
Michele Scott
A Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation member who was selected as the tribe's vice chairperson.
The details
The elections were held in person at the Tribe's Community Center in Mashantucket, Connecticut, and the Tribe held its Annual Meeting via Zoom afterward. Pearson and Reels were chosen alongside Michele Scott, who was named vice chairperson.
Timeline
November 1, 2026: Tribal Council elections held in person.
January 4, 2027: Pearson and Reels begin their new terms.
Roadmap
Tribal councils like the Mashantucket Pequot's operate as sovereign governments, and leadership changes shape how the nation manages its lands, enterprises and citizens. The three-year terms place this transition on a regular rotation rather than an emergency change.
Residents of Connecticut and tribal members will see the new council take office on January 4, 2027, with Pearson and Reels joining the seven-member body. The change affects tribal programs and services that the council oversees.
The takeaway
Tribal council elections determine who guides a sovereign nation's governance for several years, making them a useful marker of community direction. Readers interested in tribal affairs can follow official tribal channels for updates on new council leadership.
What happens next
Pearson and Reels will begin their three-year terms on January 4, 2027.
Further reading
For more on tribal governance and cultural life, explore Native American coverage on Wisevoter.
More information
Visit the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation official website for further information about the tribe and its government.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Norwich Bulletin.
