Kilili to seek more help for recovery

Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (Ind-MP) will be using his experience in the U.S. House of Representatives to solicit more aid for the Commonwealth’s recovery efforts.

Typhoon Mangkhut pummeled Rota last September. Super Typhoon Yutu wreaked havoc on Saipan and Tinian last month. Both typhoons wreaked havoc on the CNMI and caused catastrophic damage.

Sablan, based on the certified and official tally of the Commonwealth Election Commission, garnered 9,150 out of the 14,349 votes cast against the 5,199 obtained by challenger Rep. Angel A. Demapan (R-Saipan).

Almost all election districts went to Sablan and he only lost in Tinian, which Demapan won by just 30 votes, 497-467.

Sablan, whose re-election bid may have been helped after U.S. Democrats regained the majority in the House, said, “I will use everything I have learned over the last 10 years in Congress to make sure the people of the Marianas get all the help we need for our recovery.”

He said his House of Representatives colleagues have already assured him of their support. “I have already received assurance of support from my Democratic colleagues who will be the majority in the new, 116th U.S. House of Representatives.”

Sablan added that he is humbled by the trust given him again by the people of the CNMI. “It is humbling that our people have, once again, given me their trust to represent them in U.S. Congress.”

“Thank you very much to everyone who gave me their vote. And to see how committed our community is to exercising their democratic right—even in the middle of disaster recovery—is one more example of ‘Marianas Strong,’” said Sablan, who caucuses with the Democrats.

Gracious in defeat

Demapan congratulated Sablan for his win and added that, despite their camp falling short on their bid, they put up a good campaign. “The votes cast in [Tuesday’s] election have been tallied. And, despite the incredible efforts put forth by our campaign committee and supporters, we came up short.

“I congratulate Congressman Kilili on his re-election and wish him all the best in his next term. I entered the congressional race recognizing that I would be the underdog candidate, and I know that my team and I did everything we could have done,” he added.

Demapan said that now that campaign and election is over, “I am looking forward to spending more time with my wife and children. They have been my partners in public service these past four years and I can’t thank them enough.”

He thanked all the people who helped him during the campaign and all who voted for him. “I would like to thank my campaign team and supporters for their hard work and votes of confidence. It has been a tremendous blessing to take this journey with them by my side.”

Demapan has a few months left on his term in the 20th CNMI Legislature. “While I will be concluding my term in the Commonwealth Legislature, I remain committed to being a part of the solution in our community and in our Commonwealth.”