Dr. Galvin S. Deleon Guerrero officially entered the race for the Northern Mariana Islands' seat in the U.S. House of Representatives last Tuesday, July 28, filing his petition for candidacy as an independent before the Commonwealth Election Commission ahead of the Nov. 3 general election.
Deleon Guerrero was accompanied by members of his family and supporters, including his committee-to-elect chair, former CNMI delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan, as he completed the filing process at the commission's office.
Before signing his candidacy papers, Deleon Guerrero thanked those who joined him for what he described as an important milestone.
"This is a momentous day for the Commonwealth, because I fully intend to fight for us in Washington," he said. "And how can I not fight for us when I have such support of amazing people?"
He also acknowledged his mother Jessica, wife Velma, Sablan, former governor and former Washington representative Juan N. Babauta, other relatives, and supporters before adding, "We here in the Commonwealth are family. So it's important that we show up for each other as family."
After completing the filing, Deleon Guerrero also thanked election officials.
"I just want to take a moment to thank the Election Commission," he said. "Across the country, there are questions and concerns being raised about voting. But we don't have that concern here because of the wonderful work that you all do. So thank you very much for upholding the integrity of the CNMI's elections."
Speaking afterward, Deleon Guerrero said seeking public office was both an honor and a responsibility.
"First of all, it's a humbling privilege to have the opportunity to even run for office," he said. "As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Covenant, this is exactly what we fought for—to be citizens and to be able to run for public office and serve our community."
He said his campaign would focus on three priorities.
"We want to take this fight to Washington, D.C., because it's really important that we honor the three core values of our campaign," he said. "First of all, restore some wins... We also want to restore respect in Washington, D.C.... And then the third thing that I think is utterly important is to restore hope."
Sablan said the filing marked the beginning of the campaign proper.
"The real work begins today," Sablan said. "It's a good feeling."
Deleon Guerrero's mother, Jessica, said she was proud of her son's decision to seek office.
"I feel good. I thank God that, you know, he's got the guts to do this. And I pray for him every single day," she said.
Babauta said Deleon Guerrero's years in education and public service prepared him for the position.
"I see him broadening his willingness to serve the people in the CNMI in a different capacity," Babauta said. "He is well suited for something like this."
Rep. Blas Jonathan Attao, who is running for governor, also attended the filing to show his support.
"We're here to support Dr. G and support him in his petition filing," Attao said. "We're going to work together, help out and help each other in this journey that we're on right now."
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