SAIPAN — Former CNMI Governor Ralph Deleon Guerrero Torres has formally notified the CNMI Republican Party that he intends to seek the GOP nomination for governor in the next gubernatorial election, citing the territory’s economic troubles and growing anxiety among retirees and government workers.
In his letter to party officials, Torres said the decision came after “deep reflection and sincere consultation” with his family and close supporters, who he said have encouraged him to run.
Republican Party President Patrick Cepeda confirmed to NMI News Service that the party has received Torres’ letter and said the GOP will issue a formal press release regarding the submission.
Torres wrote that youths, sports teams, fishermen, teachers, retirees, and members of the business community have urged him to return to public office because “their faith in my leadership and their desire for meaningful change have played a significant role in my decision.”
He argued that families, businesses, and government are now “suffering through one of the worst, if not the worst, economic downturns in recent CNMI history,” and pointed to concerns about the Government Health/Life Insurance (GHLI) program and retirement security. He noted that more than 7,000 government employees and retirees are covered by GHLI and referenced letters retirees received stating that 25% of their pension will not be paid, saying “this is not the future our children, government employees, and retirees deserve.”
Torres said he is running because he believes he knows “what must be done to restore our economy,” including how to secure needed support and address the financial strain facing families, retirees, and public-sector workers.
Ralph DLG Torres formally declares intent to run for CNMI governor under Republican banner
SAIPAN — Former CNMI Governor Ralph Deleon Guerrero Torres has formally notified the CNMI Republican Party that he intends to seek the GOP nomination for governor in the next gubernatorial election, citing the territory’s economic troubles and growing anxiety among retirees and government workers.
In his letter to party officials, Torres said the decision came after “deep reflection and sincere consultation” with his family and close supporters, who he said have encouraged him to run.
Republican Party President Patrick Cepeda confirmed to NMI News Service that the party has received Torres’ letter and said the GOP will issue a formal press release regarding the submission.
Torres wrote that youths, sports teams, fishermen, teachers, retirees, and members of the business community have urged him to return to public office because “their faith in my leadership and their desire for meaningful change have played a significant role in my decision.”
He argued that families, businesses, and government are now “suffering through one of the worst, if not the worst, economic downturns in recent CNMI history,” and pointed to concerns about the Government Health/Life Insurance (GHLI) program and retirement security. He noted that more than 7,000 government employees and retirees are covered by GHLI and referenced letters retirees received stating that 25% of their pension will not be paid, saying “this is not the future our children, government employees, and retirees deserve.”
Torres said he is running because he believes he knows “what must be done to restore our economy,” including how to secure needed support and address the financial strain facing families, retirees, and public-sector workers.