Jang pulls off surprise win in crowded Precinct 3 House race

Korean native and longtime Saipan businessman Steve Jang pulled off one of the biggest surprises of the 2026 general elections, winning the sixth and final House seat in Precinct 3 and potentially becoming the first Korean-born lawmaker in the CNMI Legislature.

Jang, who ran as an independent, garnered 1,199 votes to finish sixth in the crowded 12-candidate race, just one vote behind fifth-place finisher Andrew Orsini, who received 1,200 votes, and 97 votes ahead of seventh-place finisher Yvette Sablan, who received 1,102 votes.

The Commonwealth Election Commission certified the Nov. 3 election results on Nov. 6, confirming Jang's victory.

The businessman, who has called Saipan home for more than three decades, admitted he never expected to receive such strong support from voters.

"I was very humbled. Honestly, I was very surprised of the number of votes that I got," Jang told Marianas Press in an interview on Nov. 5, a day before the results were certified.

Jang said he stayed awake until around 3am or 4am on election night, monitoring the results with friends before eventually falling asleep in a chair.

It was only after someone sent him the updated results that he learned he had jumped from seventh to sixth place.

At the time of the interview, Jang remained cautious about declaring victory.

"I am cautiously optimistic, but I don't want to go ahead of the election official results. Every vote matters. And I respect the democratic process," he said.

Jang was a familiar sight throughout the campaign, standing outside his restaurant, at the former DFS Galleria intersection, and at other locations around Precinct 3, often under the scorching sun or in the rain, appealing directly to voters.

He believes his experience as a small business owner resonated with residents struggling with the CNMI's economic difficulties.

"I believe people are looking for something different," he said.

Jang said voters want leadership that understands their everyday struggles and is willing to take action rather than simply make promises.

His election could also be a milestone for the CNMI's diverse population, particularly residents who were born elsewhere but have made the islands their home.

"I wouldn't be entering the Legislature to represent only Korean community. I would represent everyone, Chamorros, Carolinians, Filipino, Japanese, and every other community that calls CNMI home," he said.

Jang said his priorities as a lawmaker would include revitalizing Garapan, improving infrastructure, supporting small businesses, and reducing unnecessary government regulations.

"We need to revamp Garapan area. We need to build some infrastructures in Garapan area," he said.

He also wants to expand vocational and technical education, particularly in construction, welding, electrical work, automotive repair, air conditioning, and hospitality, to create more employment opportunities for young people.

"We cannot continue losing businesses, jobs, and our young population. We need to create opportunities right here at home."

As an independent, Jang said he would be willing to work with lawmakers regardless of their political affiliations.

"You have to put aside the political differences," he said, stressing that lawmakers should work together on measures benefiting the CNMI.

For Jang, his election is not about securing a political title but about giving back to a community that has supported him for more than 30 years.

"I don't need a political title to feel important. I want to earn the trust of our people through results."

His governing philosophy, he added, is straightforward: "less politics, more action, less bureaucracy, more opportunity, and above all, let's put the people of the CNMI first."