Amid storm alert, San Nicolas and Borja face off in Tinian GOP mayoral primary

Voting was underway today, April 11, in the Tinian Republican Party primary for mayor, with early turnout tracking in the hundreds as the island braces under a storm alert.

Ramon “Ray” Dela Cruz, president of the Tinian Republican Party and a former mayor of Tinian himself, said about 500 ballots had been cast as of 2:20pm with polls opening at 7am.

“This is the Republican primary for the position of mayor of Tinian,” Dela Cruz said during an interview with Marianas Press at the Jones Beach Pavillion.

He added that party officials expect turnout to climb further with additional voters arriving from Saipan.

A satellite polling station has been set up on Saipan at the Minatchom Atdao Pavillion to accommodate Tinian voters currently off-island and, so far, around 80 have voted, he said.

Vying for the Republican nomination are Rep. Patrick H. San Nicolas and former representative Antonio SN Borja as both hope to secure the party’s backing for the 2026 general elections.

Dela Cruz urged registered Republicans who have yet to vote to head to the polls, emphasizing the importance of participation despite evolving weather conditions.

“I continue to encourage them to come out,” he said. “As of now, conditions are still safe.”

The primary is proceeding even as Gov. David M. Apatang has placed the Commonwealth under Typhoon Condition III, signaling the possibility of damaging winds within 48 hours.

Dela Cruz said organizers are closely monitoring the situation and are prepared to suspend operations if conditions deteriorate.

“Once conditions change, we will secure everything and make sure people are safe,” he said. “But for now, we’re confident we can continue.” 

The winner of the primary will advance to represent the Republican Party in the Tinian mayoral race in the 2026 general elections.