Controversy has erupted.
Lawmakers in North Dakota have proposed a bill, House Concurrent Resolution 3020, that seeks to officially recognize the “Kingship of Jesus Christ.” Led by Rep. Nico Rios, the resolution, co-sponsored by several Republican state representatives and senators, asserts that Jesus Christ holds authority not only in spiritual matters but also in governance, extending His dominion over North Dakota and the world. The proposal references Biblical scriptures such as Matthew 28:18 and Daniel 7:14 to emphasize Christ’s ultimate authority and calls for state leaders and citizens to align their governance with His teachings.
The bill asserts that Christ was given dominion over all nations by God and suggests that people, including leaders in North Dakota, should seek guidance from Him in all matters, including governance, justice, and liberty. Additionally, it refers to Christ as “the ruler of Kings on earth and the King of Kings,” citing passages in the book of Revelation. The resolution highlights the state’s own constitution, which acknowledges gratitude to “Almighty God” in its preamble, reinforcing the notion that the state’s governance should align with Christian beliefs.
The resolution calls for the state to officially recognize Christ’s kingship and directs the secretary of state to send copies of the resolution to President Donald Trump, Governor Kelly Armstrong, and other members of North Dakota’s congressional delegation. A hearing for the resolution is scheduled for February 13. Rep. Rios, who introduced the measure, expressed his enthusiasm for advocating for the bill, sharing his personal faith journey in the process.
This bill follows recent statements from President Trump, who claimed that Americans are reaffirming their identity as “a people ordained by God.” The proposal also comes amid controversy surrounding Rios, who faced criticism from North Dakota Democrats for comments he made on social media about Mexican President Claudia Scheinbaum. These comments, which were later deleted, included offensive remarks about her Jewish background.
A 2024 study found that North Dakota, along with Mississippi, exhibited the highest support for Christian nationalism in the U.S., with 50% of residents expressing sympathy for the ideology. Rios’ bill, which seeks to cement Christ’s role in governance, reflects a broader trend in some parts of the U.S. towards integrating Christian values into state and national politics.