(Press Release) — The CNMI Republican Party on Sunday announced that Grace “Pitu” Sablan-Vaiagae will be the GOP candidate in the Precinct 3 Special Election to fulfill the remaining term of her brother-in-law, the late Republican Rep. Ivan A. Blanco.
CNMI Republican Party President James Ada expressed the party’s gratitude for her willingness to complete the mission and service left by her brother-in-law. “Community is the cornerstone of our culture — it is where we foster the belief in serving one another, where we see the role we each play in building up our neighbors, and where we find compassion and empathy for the struggles of those around us. Grace embodies these lessons, borne from her love and interaction with the community around her,” Ada said.
“She has built a life of service to this community, and she will make not only a phenomenal candidate for the people of Precinct 3, but a proactive and strong member of the CNMI House of Representatives.”
Noting the unfortunate events that have led to the governor calling for this special election, Ada remarked about the importance of Grace’s candidacy following the passing of Representative Blanco. “The CNMI has lost so much with the unexpected passing of Ivan. His family lost a father, a husband, a son, and brother. But with Grace’s interest in running, it is clear that they have not lost the love for this community and the passion for public service.”
“In looking for who can best fill the shoes of a great public servant like Ivan, the Republican Party cannot think of better person than Grace. We thank Ivan’s wife Carmen for her support of Grace’s intentions to run for his seat. Grace embodies the humility, commitment and good nature of Ivan and we stand behind her in this quest to finish the good work Ivan began for the people of Precinct 3 and the entire CNMI,” Ada said.
Grace started her career as a teacher and guidance counselor at Marianas High School, then transitioned to issues involving women, substance abusers and their families, and personnel at the Department of Public Safety. She has had her research published in psychology published by the International Association for Cross-Cultural Psychology and now she provides professional consultation and program development support to nonprofits and community organizations.
Grace thanked the Republican Party for their support and the compassion they provided to her family.
“This has been a trying month for us all.” She said. “Ivan meant so much to all of us, and his vision for the CNMI needs to be carried forward with the same drive and love for these islands that was such an important part of his life of service.”
“I’ve been a public servant for almost 10 years. I’ve been a teacher at Marianas High School right after finishing my bachelor’s in psychology degree at the University of Guam and later a school counsellor. I went off-island again to pursue my master’s degree while also working as a therapist. Since coming back home, I want to serve the place where I grew up.” She said.
“For many years, I have been listening to the problems, needs and issues of our community and the clients that I have served. I have spoken with Congressman Blanco on many occasions to work toward the betterment of those individuals who are underserved, marginalized, and those underrepresented —like women and individuals who are impacted by substance abuse, and the needs of our community’s first responders.”
“Ivan believed in this mission, and I am here to continue this work and be a voice in our Legislature that brings in a perspective from the clinician’s side, and the individuals and families that I worked with through counseling and be a voice for our islands’ first responders who put their lives at risk for this community,” she added.
“I thank the CNMI Republican Party for accepting my candidacy and look forward to meeting with the community of Precinct 3 in the months to come.”
The CNMI Republican Party welcomes all to join them in support of Grace’s candidacy for Precinct 3 and invited the public to join in a CNMI Republican Party waving, Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021, 4:30 p.m. at the Civic Center Beach, Susupe.
