ROTA independent Sen. Paul A. Manglona and House Democrats Tina Sablan, Richard Lizama and Edwin Propst have expressed support for the candidacy of Corina L. Magofna who is seeking the vacant Precinct 3 House seat in the special election set for Oct. 16.
A former Commonwealth Utilities Corp. budget officer, Magofna is the NMI Democratic Party’s candidate. She is running against the Republican bet, Grace “Pitu” Sablan-Vaiagae.
The CNMI’s longest serving lawmaker who was first elected in 1987, Sen. Paul A. Manglona said he was excited to endorse Magofna, adding that it is “critical to the advancement of the House leadership’s goals to promote prosperity for our islands through transparency and good governance.”
He added, “I have had the privilege of seeing first-hand how dedicated and passionate Corina is in helping our community. This is a turning point. I look forward to what we can accomplish with Corina in office. I ask you to join me in supporting Corina as we focus in getting our government back on track.”
For her part, Rep. Tina Sablan of Precinct 2 said Magofna “is the kind of leader we need more of in our government: intelligent, sensible, ethical, committed.”
“She genuinely cares about our community and wants to contribute to a brighter future for the CNMI and a more honest and fiscally responsible government. I am proud and honored to endorse Corina as our Democrat candidate for the upcoming Precinct 3 special election on October 16, and I look forward to serving with her in the House of Representatives,” Sablan said.
Rep. Richard Lizama of Precinct 5 said, “Corina, you are the one. Thank you for considering filling up the vacant seat.”
Precinct 1 Rep. Edwin Propst is asking Precinct 2 voters to “please vote for [Magofna] in the special election.”
In endorsing Magofna, the NMI Democratic Party said “she has overwhelming support from several members of our communities, and all of the candidates who ran in 2020, including our elected Democrat leaders.”
The special election will fill the seat vacated by House Republican leader Ivan A. Blanco who passed away on July 23, 2021 at the age of 44.
Currently, the House has eight Republicans, eight Democrats and three independents, one of whom is aligned with the Republicans and two who caucus with the Democrats.
Corina L. Magofna
