U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan has endorsed the Precinct 3 House candidacy of Democrat Corina L. Magofna while the NMI Republican Party announced that Grace “Pitu” Sablan-Vaiagae is the GOP bet in the special election that will be held on Oct. 16.
The House became vacant following the passing of House Republican leader Ivan A. Blanco on July 23, 2021.
A former Commonwealth Utilities Corp. budget officer, Magofna will submit her candidacy application and petition to the Commonwealth Election Commission on Friday while the letter of intent of Sablan-Vaiagae, a certified drug and alcohol counselor for the Department of Public Safety, was accepted by the GOP board on Sunday.
In endorsing Magofna, Kilili said she is a smart woman. “She’s not just any candidate and we remember seeing her daughter accompanying her to several campaigns in 2020. She is a great role model for women, young ladies, and girls looking to pursue public service. Her determination to serve is commendable. We supported Corina in 2020 and we still do so today,” Kilili said.
In 2020, Magofna finished seven in the Precinct 3 House elections, finishing 41 votes behind Republican Ralph N. Yumul. The precinct has six House seats
“We were impressed with the passion Corina brought to her campaign,” Kilili said. “Her passion to serve was reflected in how she conducted herself and her campaign. We then learned of Corina’s finance background and we thought it will be great to elect to the Legislature someone who understands a balance sheet.”
Kilili added, “We support Corina in the election to fill the seat vacated by the passing of Congressman Ivan Alafanso Blanco. Corina knows it will be a tough act to walk in the footsteps of the late Congressman Blanco, but we also know she’ll do her very best to represent us well in the Legislature. She will make an excellent legislator and she will be a wonderful addition to the five women already serving us in the House. So we invite our friends and residents of Precinct 3 to join us in our support of Corina,” Kilili said.
In an interview, Magofna expressed her “heartfelt appreciation” to Kilili and his wife for their endorsement and support.
Magofna has a bachelor’s degree in business accounting from the University of Phoenix, and an associate degree in accounting from the University of Hawaii.
GOP contender
The Republican candidate, Grace “Pitu” Sablan-Vaiagae, vows to “improve quality of life,” and is offering “leadership, commitment and experience.”
Asked for comment, Republican Rep. John Paul Sablan of Precinct 2 said: “Grace is family to me in the Sablan clan. I am happy that she has decided to run in this upcoming special election.”
He noted that Sablan-Vaiagae is well educated and well-experienced in her field of work as a public servant.
“She has energy, dedication and commitment to serve the people of election Precinct 3 if given the chance,” he added.
In the past few years, he said, Sablan-Vaiagae worked with Rep. Ivan Blanco, who was her brother-in law, in many community programs for rehabilitation, counseling and treatment for drug and alcohol addiction.
“She worked with the late Congressman Ivan Blanco and I’m sure she can deliver the many unfinished visions and missions of the late Republican leader,” Rep. John Paul Sablan said
“I support the candidacy of Grace Sablan-Vaiagae and I respectfully ask all my friends and family in Precinct 3 for their vote of confidence and to give Grace a chance to serve the people of the precinct,” he added.
Sablan-Vaiagae is the daughter of Herman Deleon Guerrero Sablan (Pitu) and Nadine Hadley Phillip.
Sablan-Vaiagae is a graduate of University of Guam, bachelor of arts in psychology in 2003; and master of arts in counseling in 2013.
She is a former recovery counselor at Marianas Behavioral Health Services.
Precinct 3 House candidate Corina L. Magofna of the NMI Democratic Party, center, poses for a photo with U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan and wife Andrea at Kilili Beach.
Grace “Pitu” Sablan-Vaiagae, third left, poses for a photo with Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, center, Republican Party Precinct 1 chairman Jack Torres, Precinct 3 chairman Jack Ogumoro, party chairman James Ada, first vice president Candace Q. Celis, treasurer Rufin Inos and second vice president Vince Torres.
