Outgoing CNMI delegate Sablan: Our people have spoken

The CNMI’s first delegate to Congress Gregorio Sablan endorsed the democratic candidate Ed Propst to replace him after 16 years. Now, republican Kimberlyn King-Hinds is poised to take the seat after a major victory.

“I’m coming into the election the most even, you know, the day before the election, I left Saipan and I thought Ed [Propst] was going to win. In any event, if Ed was not going to win, it was going to be very close. But I guess not. I'm also, you know, disappointed there, but our people have spoken,” said Sablan. 

The NMI’s first delegate to U.S. Congress endorsed fellow democrat Ed Propst early on in the race, hoping the local house lawmaker would replace him after a historic eight-terms.

Sablan told KUAM News that he called delegate-elect Kimberlyn King-Hinds, a republican, and offered his full cooperation for a smooth transition. That transition comes amid a red wave in national politics that could benefit the incoming republican delegates in advancing their agenda.

“We have yet to see how the house majority is going to turn out. But, you know, even though it's looking like it's going to be a republican government for the next two years, at least,” Sablan said. “I think Ms. Hinds agenda is our economy of bringing in more tourists. That is something we can all support.”

As our local race ended, the race for the white house followed. Sablan, who is currently in D.C., said there is an increase in security amid the national results.

“I was here in January 6th, there was a lot of violence. But there's none tonight. I pray this does not happen so we'll have another vote for President in four years,” said Sablan.