Sen. Paterno S. Hocog is seeking reelection, while Northern Marianas College-Cooperative Research Extension and Education Service Director Ross Manglona is running for the island’s House seat.
Both are with the Republican Party, GOP chairman Ed Tenorio said.
Senate Vice President Felix T. Mendiola, Covenant-Rota, is not seeking re-election.
Other candidates have until Aug. 10 to file their nominating petitions with the Commonwealth Election Commission.
Tenorio cannot name names, but he said most of the candidates on Rota are independents.
In a separate interview, a Covenant Party supporter confirmed that they don’t have a candidate on Rota because the ruling party wants it that way.
Rota Mayor Joseph S. Inos, who is with the Covenant Party, is constitutionally barred from seeking a second term.
His brother, Lt. Gov. Eloy S. Inos, is the running mate of Gov. Benigno R. Fitial, the ruling party’s standard bearer.
The GOP, according to Tenorio, is likely to have a full slate for the House and the Senate.
Senate President Pete P. Reyes is seeking reelection and will be teaming up with Rep. Ralph DLG. Torres for the two open Saipan Senate seats.
On Tinian, Senate Floor Leader Jude U. Hofschneider is running with former Municipal Council Chairman Francisco Q. Cruz.
On Rota, Rep. Victor B. Hocog is the GOP’s mayoral candidate.
On Saipan, Tenorio said, the precinct clubs are in the process of finalizing the House slate which will be announced later this week.
