Saipan — The CNMI Republican Party has a new president after Patrick Cepeda stepped down to run for the House of Representatives in Precinct 1.
The party’s Board of Directors held a special meeting Friday and unanimously accepted Cepeda’s resignation, effective July 31, the party said. Cepeda had submitted a letter of intent to seek the Republican nomination for the House seat.
The board then unanimously elected James Ada to fill the vacancy in the office of president. Ada’s appointment took effect immediately and he will serve the remainder of the unexpired term under the party bylaws. The board acted under Article III, Section 5 of the bylaws, which allows vacancies on the board to be filled by a vote of the remaining directors.
In a third unanimous vote, the board acknowledged, certified and expressed its full support for Cepeda’s candidacy in Precinct 1. The party said the board recognizes his willingness to continue serving the people of the Commonwealth.
The party said it remains united and committed to advancing conservative leadership, supporting its candidates and serving the people of the Commonwealth. It thanked Cepeda for his service as president and congratulated Ada.
