The CNMI Republican Party officially endorsed Kimberlyn King-Hinds for U.S. delegate and canceled the primary that was set for Saturday. 

It comes after a major shake-up as candidate John Gonzales withdrew his letter of intent seeking the party’s endorsement after taking issue with the primary allowing only party members to vote.

NMI Republican Party President Diego Benavente said their leadership met Thursday morning.

“Although it is a closed Republican membership primary as it is with many other jurisdictions, including Guam, really, that is the format we are going to follow. And we really opened it to the point where anyone…who is willing to come and sign is as a member of the CNMI Republican Party can vote on that day. But I understand that they are still not satisfied with that, so it is time to move on,” said Benavente. 

Gonzales was not available for an in-person interview and directed KUAM to his campaign committee’s letter. They write that “the power and right for an individual to vote for their candidate should undeniably be allowed without any restriction.”

The letter also states that they have “indisputable evidence” calling into question the neutrality of party officials. Gonzales confirmed he will be running as an independent. In March, he told KUAM he’d support the GOP candidate if he lost the primary.

Gonzales said, “The opportunity to run for Independent I think would be disingenuous when I have already offered that on diplomatic terms. Our people deserve better.”

But with a major dispute, Gonzales has now broken away to pursue the seat on his own.

Meanwhile, KUAM spoke with the now official Republican delegate candidate Kimberlyn King Hinds Thursday afternoon. She said she welcomed a primary battle and knew the rules that were in place for years.

King-Hinds said, “It is an honor to run. To be able to be in a situation to present my ideas to the community, to ask for their support, and to share my vision of moving the Commonwealth forward, and that vision basically is just focusing on the economy.