A sea of Republican red filled the Commonwealth Election Commission office and surrounding grounds in Susupe last Monday, Aug. 3, as supporters gathered for the filing of Republican candidates led by Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds, who is seeking a second term as the Northern Mariana Islands' non-voting delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives, and former governor Ralph DLG Torres, who formally entered the race to reclaim the governor's office in the Nov. 3 general elections.
King-Hinds, who is seeking reelection after first winning the delegate seat in 2024, said she still has unfinished work in Washington, D.C., and wants to continue building on relationships forged during her first term.
"There's a lot of work that still needs to happen, and we spend much of this term building foundations, building relationships, with the hopes that we open up more opportunities for our people."
She said her priorities have remained consistent since taking office.
"From the very beginning, my focus and my commitment has been very clear, and that is the economy... And the work is not done."
King-Hinds said she is proud to be running alongside fellow Republican candidates who share the same commitment to creating opportunities throughout the CNMI.
Torres, meanwhile, officially launched his bid to return to the governor's office after losing the 2022 gubernatorial runoff election. Thanking supporters, party leaders, and fellow candidates, Torres said the Republican ticket is focused on economic recovery while protecting retirees and strengthening government services.
"We want to give you opportunity, give you, all the retirees, the protection of your pension, and our goal is to bring back our economy."
Torres also expressed hope that future budgets will better support government agencies.
"I hope and I pray that the next budget will not just give [the Public School System] what they need, but give every other department the resources they need."
Running mate Benjamin T. Jones Jr. said the Republican slate is ready to bring positive change if elected.
"We have an amazing team out here. This is the team that wants to make a positive difference."
Jones said voters would see that commitment translated into action.
"This is the team that's going to bring that hard work over, and you're going to see the reality come about."
Lt. Gov. Dennis C. Mendiola, who is not seeking elective office this year, described Monday's filing as the official start of the campaign season for the GOP and said supporters were excited about the party's chances in November.
Republican Senate candidate Vinson "Vinnie" F. Sablan, who is seeking a return to the Legislature, said he is asking voters for another opportunity to serve.
"I asked the people of the CNMI to give me that chance and confidence again."
Sablan said he hopes to "get a seat at the table again."
John Deleon Guerrero Demapan Jr., a Precinct 1 House candidate who uses a wheelchair, said he decided to seek office after years of watching from the sidelines.
"I felt like this was a time for me to step up and add a different perspective in the legislature."
Demapan said he wants to represent "all groups of the population."
The rest of the Republican slate includes Marco Peter for Saipan senator, Tito S. Hocog II for Rota senator, and incumbent senators Jude U. Hofschneider and Francisco Q. Cruz for Tinian; Rota Mayor Aubry Hocog, who is seeking reelection; and Tinian Mayor Antonio "Friday" San Nicolas Borja.
For the House of Representatives, the GOP is fielding Demapan, Roy Ada, Alfredo Cabael, Cecelia Taitano Fitial, Benusto Piteg, and Patrick Matagolai Cepeda in Precinct 1; Keith Ada in Precinct 2; Ed Arriola Jr., Yvette Sablan, Andrew Orsini, Del Benson, and Quaid Ogumoro Ngirchongor in Precinct 3; Malcolm Omar and Kennedy Benjamin in Precinct 4; Ted Deleon Guerrero in Precinct 5; Keli Tenorio for the Northern Islands mayor; and Joseph Evangelista Santos for the Tinian House seat.
Also filing Monday, although as a nonpartisan candidate, was attorney Joaquin DLG Torres, the former governor's brother, who submitted his candidacy for attorney general several hours after the GOP's mass filing.
Joaquin DLG Torres said he believes the time has come to serve the Commonwealth in a different capacity after more than two decades in private legal practice.
"I believe it's time for me to serve in a different capacity."
He added that he wants "to help our people" and believes he is "the right candidate to be the next Attorney General."
His filing came the same day incumbent Attorney General Edward E. Manibusan announced he would not seek reelection after serving three terms.
In a statement released to the media, Manibusan said the decision followed "much reflection and prayer."
"Although I will not seek another term, my commitment to the Commonwealth remains unchanged."
Manibusan thanked the people of the CNMI for entrusting him with the office over the past 12 years and said he intends to continue serving the Commonwealth outside elected office.
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