Ayuyu, in an interview, said he still desires to serve the people of the CNMI “maybe in the near future, but not this time.”
The owner of the island’s McDonald’s restaurants, Ayuyu announced last month that he might run for governor, citing the people longing to see changes in the CNMI who were urging him to join the race.
These people, he earlier said, were tired of seeing the same politicians during election time.
He said he was overwhelmed by the excitement of the people who expressed support when he announced his possible gubernatorial bid last month.
A known Democrat, Ayuyu believed that his candidacy would have given him the opportunity to share his experience with the people of the CNMI.
But after thinking about it, Ayuyu said he decided to skip this year’s election because he realized that his family and business need him more in these times of economic uncertainty.
He said he knows there will be many people who will be disappointed by his decision, but “I’m just not ready this time.”
Ayuyu served as director of commerce and labor during the administration of Gov. Carlos S. Camacho, the CNMI’s first governor.
