The CNMI Republican Party is considering holding its primary election within the next few months, party officials confirmed.
“We are still in the planning process for the primary. Our anticipated date is late March or early April. There are no confirmed dates as of now,” CNMI Republican Party president Patrick Cepeda told Marianas Press.
Cepeda added that the party's filing deadlines for candidates seeking to run under the GOP banner have been set. The deadline for island-wide seats is February 12, 2026, while candidates for the House of Representatives must file by March 12, 2026.
Meanwhile, first-term Del. Kimberlyn King-Hinds has formally submitted her Letter of Intent for re-election under the local Republican Party, securing her position as the incumbent candidate.
In a major development within the party, former Governor Ralph Torres announced his intent to seek the gubernatorial seat on December 12, 2025, just before the midnight deadline for letters of intent for CNMI-wide offices. His announcement followed that of his former running mate, former lawmaker Vinnie Sablan, who has also declared his candidacy for governor under the Republican banner.
Separately, the Commonwealth Election Commission has released key dates for the 2026 General Election. The final day for submitting nominating petitions and candidacy documents is August 5, 2026.
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