In an interview, Crisostimo said he will run as an Independent candidate and will not give up his seat in the Senate.
“I feel that this office [CNMI delegate] has great importance for the commonwealth,” he said.
“I will represent my people with harmony and transparency,” the senator said.
He regrets that the NMI Democratic Party did not nominate him, but wants the party “to keep on fighting and be strong.”
He hopes to see the local Democrats affiliate with the national party.
Crisostimo thanked his supporters who rallied behind his candidacy, and those who re-elected him to the Senate last year.
He earlier sought the nomination of the NMI Democratic Party which then scheduled a closed primary between him and former Tinian Sen. David M. Cing.
Crisostimo failed to pay the $2,500 fee, hence the party canceled the primary and endorsed the candidacy of Cing, who was senator from 1992 to 2004.
