Rep. Blas Jonathan T. Attao officially entered the race for governor last Thursday, July 30, filing his petition for candidacy with the Commonwealth Election Commission alongside his running mate, House Speaker Edmund S. Villagomez, who is seeking election as lieutenant governor on the independent ticket.
The filing came after dozens of supporters braved the midday sun to wave campaign signs along the roadway across Marianas High School before accompanying the candidates to the CEC for the formal submission of their petitions at around 1:30pm.
Attao thanked supporters for turning out despite the heat.
"First and foremost, we're very fortunate to have our people, our family, our friends, supporters join us in this journey."
He said the campaign hoped to reflect the Commonwealth's resilience following super typhoons Sinlaku and Bavi.
"I know we're recovering from typhoons, but with the people of the CNMI, no matter what damage has come, we come up stronger, so we want to show that spirit moving forward."
Attao also encouraged residents to participate in the Nov. 3 elections.
"Your vote is your voice. We're a voice for all, and together we will make the CNMI stronger and prouder."
Villagomez thanked supporters and urged voters to evaluate the team's record in public service.
"We are very humbled and very grateful for all the support that has come out today for our family, for our friends, and all the supporters."
He added, "Please look at our track record. Make your voice be heard because we are ready to hear, we are ready to listen, and we're ready to continue to move the CNMI forward."
Villagomez said filing the petitions marked another important milestone in the campaign.
"Today's an important day for us because this just brings reality closer to officially getting off to the races."
Before filing their petitions, Attao also announced the independent candidates the ticket is endorsing in legislative races across the Commonwealth, including Dr. Galvin Deleon Guerrero for CNMI delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives and several candidates seeking election or reelection to the House of Representatives.
Attao also honored the late Rick Villagomez, who he said had been expected to run as part of the group's endorsed slate before he died in a motorcycle accident last week.
"Rick Villagomez was supposed to be under our slate, and it's very unfortunate that we lost him, but again, we will continue his work."
Gov. David M. Apatang, who attended the event and endorsed the independent ticket, said he has known both candidates for many years and trusts them to lead the Commonwealth.
"I trust them. They have good integrity, they're honest and I know that they're gonna serve our people very well, the Commonwealth."
Apatang urged voters on Saipan, Tinian and Rota to support the Attao-Villagomez ticket.
"Please help these two, get them in office so we can continue on what needs to be done for our livelihood here in the Commonwealth. We need a change that can move forward, not backwards."
The CEC will review the petitions before certifying candidates for the Nov. 3 general elections.
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