Sandra King Young is running for delegate because “American Samoa cannot afford to be passive”

On March 2, 2026, Sandra King Young announced her candidacy for delegate from American Samoa to the US Congress in the upcoming November 2026 elections. King Young is a member of the American Samoa Democratic Party.

“I am running because American Samoa cannot afford to be passive while decisions are made in Washington,” she said in a formal press statement.

In 1998, King Young received her law degree from George Washington University and her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Loyola Marymount University in 1990. She is also an alumna of Stanford’s Graduate School of Business.  

King Young was a former director of the American Samoa Medicaid State Agency. She served as Chairman of the Board of LBJ Hospital in early 2013. From 2002 to 2012, she was the founder and Executive Director of PICED, a non-profit that prepares students for college. King Young spent 10 years in Washington, DC, working in many senior policy positions and advocacy roles.

King Young believes that American Samoa faces pressing federal priorities. She calls for skilled representation and problem-solving to address budget cuts and layoffs. These budget cuts and lay-offs have undermined the healthcare system and education. 

“We need leadership in Washington, DC, who will be vigilant regarding any Federal policies that are not in our territory’s best interests, who will fight to protect American Samoa’s Medicaid funding, our schools’ funding, and our veterans’ healthcare benefits, among others,” she said.

King Young also advocates for protecting the environment, cultural heritage, and economic future. 

“These are not abstract policy debates,” King Young said. ”These are decisions that affect our daily lives, our children’s futures, and the legacy we will leave behind.” Her vision is to reenvision, reinvent, and restore federal and ASG collaboration and trust in government.

King Young grounds her campaign on three principles. First, duty: she believes a leader must be courageous and accountable to their people. Second, service: King Young thinks governments should uplift communities and provide opportunities. Last, experience: she believes a delegate needs preparation and strategic thinking. 

King Young could face off against Amata Coleman Radewagen, the Republican incumbent, Gavin Solomon, a businessman, and Samana Semo Ve’ave’a for the position. Samana is a US Army veteran and a former Director of Homeland Security. 

“I am running not for recognition, but for duty and responsibility. Not for position, but for purpose and solutions. I am running because I believe our people deserve representation in Washington, DC that is effective, strategic, and vigilant. We need representation that protects the interests of American Samoa and our future,” says King Young. “Together, we can do better, and we can secure a stronger future for American Samoa—one built on faith, founded on God, guided by service, and strengthened by experience and courage.”