NMI Democratic Party joins national convention

The Democratic Party of the Northern Mariana Islands proudly represented the CNMI during the 2024 Democratic National Convention last week and were even recognized by internation media outlets.

After years of virtual conventions following the COVID-19 pandemic, the Democratic National Convention Committee finally hosted a physical convention from Aug. 19 to 22 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois.

This year, state parties and territories across the country excitedly reunite in person for the historic nomination of their presidential nominee Kamala Harris and the NMI Democratic party was in attendance.

“You could feel the positive momentum when President Biden passed the torch to his Vice President both last month and during Day 1, of Monday night’s broadcast during the convention. It was a noble thing to do, and the level of respect expressed towards President Biden from the guest speakers, and the new nominees really solidified unity in our party which is so important during these trying times,” said party vice chair Luella Marciano.

The NMI party delegation made quite an impression during last week’s Democratic National Convention.

The convention broadcast during Day 2, which included each state’s roll call brought attention to the NMI and they were a crowd favorite to viewers in the arena with their delegation’s outfits, and with their roll call speech. The NMI was featured for their speech on social media platforms like Threads, TikTok, NowThis Impact on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

They were also featured on CNN, and NPR with a double feature in Vogue Magazine focused on their island attire worn at the convention.

Democratic Party of the NMI executive director and this year’s delegation chair, Nola Hix, said this year was fun because she had some time to prepare.

“For months, I had been collaborating with vendors, and executive directors from all 57 state-parties to come up with convention swag ideas, activities, and events to make our trip an epic one. As for my 30-second speech, I finished it during my 22-hour flight to Chicago. The goal was to bring the focus to climate change, and so I’m glad people were receptive because we need to do more to protect our Mother Earth,” she said.

The NMI delegation in this year’s Democratic National Convention were Department of Labor Secretary Leila F. Staffler, Angelo Villagomez, Nola K. Hix, Joan Flores-Reyes, Luella Marciano, Tina Sablan, Mike White, Bob Schwalbach, Sen. Celina R. Babauta (D-Saipan), with special guests Edz Villagomez and Lisa Whitehurst.