THE NMI Democratic Party is endorsing Rep. Tina Sablan as its 2022 gubernatorial candidate.
In a statement Wednesday, the party said the members of its Central Executive Committee gathered on Tuesday night to receive the Gubernatorial Search Committee’s recommendation. The 18-member committee unanimously nominated Sablan for governor and U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan who is seeking reelection as a Democrat.
According to the party’s vice chair, Daniel Quitugua, “The Gubernatorial Search Committee was formed a little over a month and a half ago in preparation for the 2022 elections. The search committee was formed at the request of the party’s elected officials to seek out potential candidates in the event that Congressman Kilili decided not to run for governor. It was definitely a tough decision to make but when the search committee concluded its candidate interviews, Tina Sablan was at the top of everyone’s list,” Quitugua added.
Kilili, for his part, said Tina Sablan “has my complete support and I look forward to campaigning with her on the Democratic Party ticket over the next 12 months.”
He added, “The people of the Marianas are sick and tired of old school politicians, who put their family and friends before the best interests of our islands.”
He said Tina Sablan “will be a governor the people of the Northern Mariana Islands can trust completely and be very, very proud to call their own. She will bring a new kind of leadership to the Office of Governor, based on honesty and fairness to all. Her focus will be what is best for the next generation, not the next election.”
“As your representative in the U.S. Congress,” Kilili said, “I look forward to working in full partnership with Gov. Tina Sablan. Together we will build back better in the Marianas.”
The deadline for the submission of nominations and letters of intent for governor, lt. governor and delegate was Nov 1, 2021.
NMI Democratic Party Chair Nola Kileleman Hix said five letters of intent for governor were received and it was agreed that since only one candidate would be selected the names of the other candidates would remain confidential.
“On behalf of the party, I want to express my sincerest thank you to everyone that submitted their letters of intent,” Hix said. “This is just the beginning and we thank you for your support, bravery, and determination to join the people’s party for good governance.”
Hix said the party is “hopeful and very excited that Tina accepted the Gubernatorial Search Committee’s recommendation and nomination…. With this acceptance she also requested a little more time to find her a running mate. She has requested that the party assist her with this search so we will continue our outreach for lt. governor from now for two weeks.”
She said the party is accepting nominations of candidates and letters of intent for individuals who want to run for lt. governor. Email Nola Hix at chairwoman@nmidems.org
A proud Democrat
Rep. Tina Sablan issued the following statement Wednesday evening:
“Hafa Adai, Tirow, and Happy Citizenship Day to the people of the Northern Mariana Islands.
“I am honored and deeply humbled to accept the nomination of the Democratic Party to stand as your candidate for Governor in the 2022 general election. Thank you for your trust and confidence in me.
“I also want to congratulate Congressman Gregorio Kilili Sablan, on his nomination to run on the Democratic slate for reelection as our Delegate in the U.S. Congress. He has done incredible work for the people of the Marianas and has been a guiding light through some of our darkest times. I thank him for his willingness to continue his service in our nation’s capital.
“I am a proud Democrat, and moreover, a proud citizen who has worked for years alongside so many fellow citizens, for good governance in the Marianas. And we know that the people we elect to lead and represent us play an important role in setting the tone and direction of our government.
“Consider the difference it would make, to have a governor who cares about governing — with fairness and integrity. A governor who listens. A governor who uses precious public resources to invest in the education, health, and safety of our people, in the delivery of critical infrastructure, and in lifting up our working families and vulnerable citizens. A governor who respects and upholds our laws.
“Consider, too, the difference it would make to have a governor who works well with our Delegate, and all our federal partners, to ensure that the federal funds we receive in the Commonwealth are spent wisely, and not squandered. A governor who cares about making sure that all public funds are prioritized and used for public purposes — and not a penny for personal or unlawful gain.
“I am ready and willing to serve you, the people of the Commonwealth, as that kind of governor. We have so much work to do, to clean up our government and our islands, build an economy that raises everyone up, and chart a new path forward for a healthier, safer, fairer, and more beautiful Commonwealth that we can all be proud of.
“In the coming days, I look forward to announcing my running mate, presenting our plans, and listening to you, my fellow citizens, about the kind of Marianas you want to create. Because one person cannot do this alone. Government cannot do this alone. Building a better community takes all of us, caring for each other, working together, and contributing our time and talents towards a common vision.
“May God bless the people of the Northern Mariana Islands.”
Also running for governor in 2022 are the Republican incumbent, Ralph DLG Torres, and his lt. governor, Arnold I. Palacios, an independent candidate.
Tina Sablan
