CNMI Democratic Party chair says recruitment for ’26 election a challenge

Recruiting candidates remains a major challenge for the Democratic Party of the Northern Mariana Islands as it looks toward the 2026 elections, according to party chair Annie Terlaje Picklesimer.

She made this revelation as the party held an open house for its new 2,040-square-foot, Americans with Disabilities Act-accessible office, which gives it room to operate daily and prepare for the 2026 midterm elections.

“For the coming election, we’re still researching or hunting for more candidates,” said Picklesimer. “Right now, it’s really hard with the economy so bad. People just don’t really want to commit.”

She said only two candidates have formally submitted letters of intent so far.

“Secretary of Labor Leila [Fleming Staffler] and Mr. Peter, bilingual teacher at Kagman High School, have already submitted their intentions back in June when we first announced the deadline.”

Picklesimer said the party is keeping its options open for other races, including the governor and lieutenant governor’s seats.

“Right now, no. No action right now,” she said. “But we keep everything open.”

Staffler, who is the party’s national committeewoman, said the party is working to build a stronger slate while emphasizing quality over quantity.

“For any party, the goal is always to try and have a full slate,” she said. “But we always also focus on our quality over quantity.”

She said the party is preparing candidate support packages that include financial and in-kind assistance.

“We’re working on developing packages for candidates who do decide to run under the Democratic banner,” she said, adding that the deadline for submitting a letter of intent is Feb. 1, 2026.

Both leaders said recent community listening tours are shaping the party’s platform heading into the election year.

“These are really important that we hear it directly from the people so that we’re putting the people first,” Staffler said.

Asked about national Democratic gains and whether the party plans to ride that momentum locally, Staffler said the CNMI Democrats are looking to do just that.

“Right now, with the Democratic Party in America really making a lot of wins across the whole states… we definitely hope and want to be part of that kind of a wave,” she said. “So we’re going to do our work and be as ready as we can.”

Picklesimer echoed that sentiment, saying the party is focused on giving voters real choices at the polls, and that goes to welcoming everyone at their new office as well.

“We welcome anybody, and it doesn't matter whether you're Republican, independent, or Democrat, this office is open.”

Staffler said competition and choice are healthy for democracy.

“I think it’s wonderful for the people to have choices,” she said. “You will have many choices in this election. And it’s up to the people to decide who do you think will represent our islands the best.”

Aside from Staffler and Muna, also among those present at the open house were incumbent Democratic lawmaker Rep. Denita K. Yangetmai and independent lawmakers House Speaker Edmund S. Villagomez and floor leader Rep. Marissa Flores.

Guests were treated to a full dinner, with lechon as the centerpiece, served on proper dinnerware rather than paper plates.