FIVE Republican House members and their Independent ally are seeking reelection next year while their colleague, Joseph Leepan T. Guerrero, wants to run for Saipan mayor.
They have all asked the Republican Party of NMI Association’s board of directors to endorse their candidacies.
The House Republicans seeking reelection are Reps. Roy Christopher Ada and Angel Demapan in Precinct 1; Rep. John Paul Sablan in Precinct 2; Rep. Ralph N. Yumul in Precinct 3; and Rep. Joel Camacho in Precinct 4. Independent Rep. Joseph Flores of Precinct 1 is also seeking re-election and the GOP’s endorsement.
Another House Republican, Vice Speaker BJ Attao of Precinct 3, said he is still undecided on whether to seek reelection.
Rep. Joseph Leepan T. Guerrero wrote a separate letter to GOP board to express his intent to run for Saipan mayor while Precinct 3 Rep. Ivan Blanco said he is seeking one of the island’s two Senate seats in the 2022 elections.
In their joint letter to NMI Republican Party Chairman James Ada, the House Republicans and their Independent colleague seeking reelection said: “We, in supporting each other’s candidacies and in planning for the upcoming 2022 general elections, hereby submit our names and offices to be sought for your consideration and approval…. Your timely response will allow us ample time to begin the election and/or [reelection] process earlier than usual.”
“We look forward to discuss the matter with you on or about 30 days from this note date,” the lawmakers said thanking the party chairman and the board for their “most favorable consideration.”
In his own letter to the GOP board, Leepan said he was “officially and respectfully” submitting his name as nominee to run under the NMI Republican Party in next year’s general election for mayor of Saipan.
He said, “Through consultation with friends, committee members…as well as my family, I am ready should the party endorse my candidacy for Mayor of Saipan.”
Leepan added, “I want to take the opportunity to continue forward with Mayor Apatang’s responsibilities to keep our island clean, safe and beautiful.”
The incumbent Republican mayor, David M. Apatang, is constitutionally barred from seeking a third term.
The House minority bloc members pose for a photo at Saipan Skate Park which they cleaned up and repainted. From left, Reps. Ivan Blanco, JP Sablan, Joseph Leepan T. Guerrero, Joseph Flores, Patrick San Nicolas, Angel Demapan and Joel Camacho.
Photo by Emmanuel T. Erediano
