Kimberlyn King-Hinds
FORMER Commonwealth Ports Authority Board Chair Kimberlyn King-Hinds of Tinian is a candidate for the U.S. Congress.
A lawyer, King-Hinds will officially announce her candidacy on Feb. 29 at the Marianas Business Plaza in Susupe at 9:30 a.m. She wants to run on the Republican slate.
The incumbent delegate, Democrat Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan, has announced that he will not seek a ninth term.
House Floor Leader Edwin Propst, a Saipan Precinct 1 Democrat, has announced his candidacy, and has been endorsed by Gov. Arnold I. Palacios and several House members.
Saipan freelance business consultant and grants writer John Oliver Bolis Gonzales has also expressed interest in the U.S. delegate’s position, but has not made an official announcement yet.
Senate President Edith Deleon Guerrero of Saipan is also considering running for Congress, but she has yet to “firm up her decision” she told Variety.
Former Judge Juan T. Lizama of Saipan is another possible candidate.
Asked about this year’s delegate election, King-Hinds said: “This is an important election. It’s good that a lot of people are interested in running. The people deserve options.”
She said she will be submitting her letter of intent to the Republican Party on Thursday, Feb. 22.
For his part, CNMI Republican Party President Diego T. Benavente told Variety that there are two other individuals who want to be the GOP candidate for Congress.
“We would have to wait and see who will submit their letters of intent,” Benavente added.
The deadline for persons who are interested in running as the Republican candidate for Congress is Friday, March 15, 2024.
“The letter of intent must be submitted no later than 5 p.m. on March 15,” Benavente said.
If two or more candidates submit a letter of intent, a primary will be held before the November election
