House Floor Leader Edwin Propst, center, joins his daughter, Kiana, wife Daisy, and sons Logan, Devin and Kaden as he announces his intent to run for U.S. delegate at his late parents’ residence in Susupe on Tuesday.
House Floor Leader Edwin Propst poses for a photo with Gov. Arnold I. Palacios and first lady Wella after the lawmaker announced that he is running for the U.S. Congress.
HOUSE Floor Leader Edwin Propst on Tuesday announced that he is a candidate for U.S. delegate.
The 52-year-old Precinct 1 Democrat, who is serving his fifth term in the CNMI House of Representatives, announced his candidacy at his late parents’ residence in Susupe, at 6 p.m., in the presence of his family, friends, colleagues and supporters who signed a petition to elect Propst.
NMI Democratic Party President Jonathan P. Cabrera said they are delighted that Propst has submitted his letter of intent to run for U.S. delegate.
The incumbent delegate, Democrat Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan, is not seeking a ninth term.
Although the party will not certify its candidates until April, Cabrera said they look forward to seeing Propst’s campaign agenda.
Cabrera said, right now, the party is also recruiting new members and candidates. Anyone interested in running on the Democratic Party slate is welcome to submit their letters of intent, he added.
Speaker Edmund S. Villagomez, Ind.-Saipan, Precinct 3, said he has worked very well with Propst, adding that they intend to continue to move the CNMI forward.
Special Assistant for Administration Oscar M. Babauta said Propst has done an excellent job in performing for his constituents in Precinct 1 where he is the consistent top vote-getter.
“That tells you that the people trust him,” said Babauta, a former House speaker.
Cultural advocate Lino Olopai, who worked with Propst’s father Ivan in the Department of Education during the Trust Territory era, said, “I speak highly of him and support him all the way, and if people are listening, please follow us and get good people in there,” referring to the U.S. Congress.
Former Rep. Tina Sablan chairs the Committee-to-Elect Edwin Propst while independent Saipan Rep. Ralph N. Yumul of Precinct 3 will be his campaign manager.
In her opening prayer, former Northern Marianas College President Agnes M. McPhetres said she knows that “God will continue your support for all of us here in the CNMI so that when he, Propst, becomes one of our leaders who represent us … the CNMI will be a better place.”
Propst, for his part, thanked Gov. Arnold I. Palacios, who arrived with first lady Wella Palacios, and Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang for their leadership and kindness.
He said, “They truly kept an open door policy for all of us — that’s the kind of friendship that we appreciate, that’s the kind of leadership that we should expect in these islands.”
Propst also thanked the independents, Democrats and Republicans who support him.
He likewise thanked his fellow House members, saying he was very proud to serve with them, referring to Vice Speaker Joel Camacho, Ind.-Saipan, of Precinct 4; John Paul Sablan, Ind.-Saipan, Precinct 2; Diego Vincent F. Camacho, D-Saipan, Precinct 1; Blas Jonathan Attao, Ind.-Saipan, Precinct 3; Marissa Flores, Ind.-Saipan, Precinct 3; Vince S. Aldan, Ind.-Saipan, Precinct 1; Manny Castro, Ind.-Saipan, Precinct 2; Angelo Camacho, Ind.-Saipan, Precinct 5; and Denita Yangetmai, D-Saipan, Precinct 3.
Palacios, in his remarks, said, “I know that he is going to work hard. And I’m going to work hard to help him in this election. I admire him for not being afraid to take on the challenge. We are here to help him.”
Three other individuals have expressed interest in running for delegate: former Commonwealth Ports Authority Board Chair Kimberlyn King-Hinds, freelance business consultant and grants writer John Oliver Bolis Gonzales, and retired Judge Juan T. Lizama.
