King-Hinds makes CNMI history

As the first woman, first Republican, and first Tinian native to represent the CNMI in U.S. Congress, delegate-elect Kimberlyn King-Hinds has made history in more ways than one following this year’s general elections.

Yesterday, King-Hinds was officially named the CNMI’s delegate-elect after certified election results showed King-Hinds garnered over 40% of votes in the delegate race with 4,931 votes in her favor.

“I want to thank everyone who came out to vote,” King-Hinds said in a press briefing following her victory.

When asked how she felt about going down in history as not only the first female U.S delegate to the CNMI, but also the first daughter of Tinian and Republican to accomplish such a feat, she said the thought never crossed her mind.

“That never crossed my mind throughout this process, and I think it never crossed my mind because I grew up watching my mom become one of the first, her and auntie Daling Ogumoro, to serve in the first CNMI Legislature. So, I didn’t feel that this was about me as a woman, but I do believe that one of the reasons why I am here is the fact that so many women came out to support and wanted to feel that sense of empowerment. I hope that all the young girls, and young boys too, across the Commonwealth can see me and use me as an example that no matter how hard your life has been or what adversities you face growing up, if you work hard and you have a goal and you work towards that goal, nothing is impossible,” she said.

When asked about her priorities, King-Hinds said as CNMI delegate, she will be taking a three-pronged approach to address the CNMI’s issues.

“The first is to restore the tourism industry, the second is to immediately work on the CW-1 situation which is about to end here in 2029, and three work on trying to improve the cost of living by addressing the utilities issue,” she said.

King-Hinds adds that separate from that she would like to be the type of delegate that consistently engages community stakeholders.

“After things get a little bit settled down, I want to just start reaching out to different stakeholders in the community to sit down and have a conversation about where gaps are, where are areas of opportunities, and work out a plan where we’re not duplicating resources or manpower and just strategizing on how to bring a whole of government approach to some of these health and human services issues that is impacting our community,” she said.

King-Hinds shared that her work as delegate has already begun.

“I’ve had several federal officials call so I had to return those calls and just begin that dialogue and conversation. So, the work is starting now in terms of reaching out to our federal partners and having these conversations about what the priorities are. The governor also reached out and gave his congratulations and I told him that we’re going to have to sit down to discuss what his priorities are and how this position can assist for him to be able to accomplish some of those priorities and to also assist with the follow-ups for the 902 consultation and make sure that that stays as a hot topic agenda item that needs to be addressed because I do believe that those are very critical issues that that need to be addressed. We all work for the people. We have to put politics aside and I’m reaching across the all the aisles to be able to have those conversations,” she said.

‘Silver lining’

In a social media post entitled “Silver lining,” Democratic Party of the Northern Mariana Islands delegate candidate Edwin K. Propst put into perspective his unsuccessful campaign for the delegate seat in the 2024 general elections.

“At least 4,067 amazing supporters went out and voted for me for the delegate race. We may have fallen short of winning, but we must be able to graciously accept the decision of our people, and give our delegate-elect Kimberlyn King-Hinds the opportunity and assistance to do well in Washington, D.C. If she does well, the CNMI does well. We must work together and succeed together for a prosperous Commonwealth.”

The House floor leader, though, admitted that there’s some disappointment after losing in the race for the CNMI’s lone nonvoting delegate to U.S. Congress.

“There is sadness in my heart, as you can expect, of not winning, probably more so for my committee and supporters than myself. I felt earlier that I’ve let them down, that I didn’t do enough, or couldn’t be enough. But the kind messages and calls and visits I received made me realize that the friendship and support you gave me was not contingent on me winning. Your compassion and love and kindness are what motivates me to continue to do what I can to help our people, whether in or out of office.”

Propst then reflected on his years of service in the CNMI House of Representative.

“You have given me a good 10 years as a House representative, and I will always cherish the work we’ve done together as partners in our community. That will continue, along with my love and dedication to you and your family. You have welcomed me and my family into your homes and hearts, and have been with me in my highs and lows in life. You’ve taught me what selfless service means, and that compassion and forgiveness are requisites of being a true public servant leader.”

“If there is a silver lining to losing this election, it is that I do not have to be away from my wife Daisy and children while working in D.C., as we had decided they would stay here and I would see them when I would come back home every month or two. My family is my world and I know that would have been the most difficult part of this job…missing my son’s soccer games, celebrating birthdays and anniversaries, and other events,” he said.