In the November 2024 elections, Kimberlyn King-Hinds emerged victorious as the new delegate for the CNMI to the U.S. Congress, defeating her opponents Edwin Propst, John Oliver Gonzales, James Rayphand, and Liana Hofschneider. King-Hinds succeeds Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan and has made it clear that her primary focus will be on revitalizing the CNMI economy, restoring tourism, securing a stable labor force, and addressing the high cost of living in the region [49068813].
King-Hinds has been appointed to the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, where she emphasizes the critical role of infrastructure in driving economic development. She highlighted the $383 million Tinian Divert Airfield project initiated by the U.S. Department of Defense as a significant step toward enhancing local infrastructure and supporting economic growth [49068813].
Her election comes at a pivotal time as the CNMI faces the impending phase-out of the CNMI-Only Transitional Worker Program, set to conclude in 2029. During a recent town hall forum, candidates including King-Hinds discussed the urgent need for workforce stabilization and the importance of collecting data on local labor needs. They also advocated for increased funding for apprenticeship programs to prepare local workers for available jobs [b029e0c1].
In her role, King-Hinds aims to foster collaboration with the federal government to ensure that local growth is prioritized and that the unique labor demands of the CNMI are addressed effectively. Her election marks a new chapter in CNMI's representation in Congress, with a strong focus on local issues and the need for strategic partnerships to enhance economic opportunities [49068813].