Gubernatorial hopeful Vinny Sablan told Good Morning Marianas he has submitted a letter of intent and is seeking the CNMI Republican Party’s endorsement for governor, with the party’s filing period open until Dec. 12. Sablan said the party will determine next steps after that date, including whether a primary is needed.
Sablan said he previously served two terms in the CNMI Legislature and one term in the Senate, and was the Republican candidate for lieutenant governor in 2022. He said he stepped back after the 2022 election for “self-reflection,” but decided it was “not…time to hang it up yet” and wants to re-enter public life amid what he described as challenging times for the Commonwealth.
During the interview, Sablan said he joined the GOP as he looked toward broader party politics and access to federal partners, citing the CNMI’s political union with the United States and the need to work at both the local and national levels.
On priorities, Sablan said economic recovery would be central, pointing to rebuilding the visitor industry and expanding the “bodies on the ground” needed for small businesses to thrive. He also cited continued dialogue around the CNMI’s military presence, lowering utility costs through alternative energy, and exploring opportunities such as shipping maintenance or positioning vessels in the Commonwealth.
Sablan said he is vetting potential candidates for lieutenant governor but is not yet ready to name a running mate. A caller from Tinian, David Mendiola Evangelista Jr., called in to voice support and urged a focus on education, health care, and economic growth.
Watch the full interview on the NMI News Service Facebook and YouTube.
