Four lawmakers declare as Democrats; one aligns with bloc

Minority leader Rep. Edwin Propst (Precinct 1), and Reps. Christina “Tina” Sablan (Precinct 2), Sheila Babauta (Precinct 4), and Richard Lizama (Precinct 5) announced yesterday they are declaring as Democrats, and are committed to building the Democratic Party in the Northern Mariana Islands. Rota Rep. Donald Manglona (Precinct 7) also announced that he is running as an independent aligned with the Democrats, and is in full support of the Democratic team.

The five are running for reelection to the CNMI House of Representatives in this year’s midterm race. The incumbents said the time is right to grow the Democratic Party, reestablish a two-party system in the Northern Marianas, and restore trust and accountability in the Commonwealth government.

“If we want real change, then we need to change the one-party rule that we’ve become so used to over the past decades. Monopolies are never good for communities, whether in the form of casinos or political parties,” said Propst. “I am running as a Democrat to break the one-party rule and to join a party that welcomes everyone and gives everyone a seat at the table.”

Babauta said: “I believe that it is possible to create the CNMI we envision for ourselves for generations to come. The Democratic values of civic engagement, grassroots organization, and community empowerment are essential pieces to that very idea. The incumbent members who have chosen to run with the Democratic Party have demonstrated responsible leadership, hard work, and passion for our CNMI. This team brings me hope that we can truly rebuild trust in our government, hold one another accountable, and create meaningful and enforceable legislation toward a brighter CNMI.”

Separately, Lizama said: “The Democratic Party is the people’s party, regardless of one’s gender, religion, ethnicity, or the color of one’s skin. My decision to run as a Democrat is because I believe in the two-party system. I am running in an organized party in this upcoming election to be a more influential advocate for my constituents and the people of the CNMI. It is also time to reenergize the party to prepare us for the 2022 general election.”

“As an independent candidate, I will support all policies I feel would benefit the people of Rota and the entire CNMI,” said Manglona. “I have no doubt that my colleagues who will run under the Democratic Party will continue to push meaningful legislation while continuing to fight for the best interests of the people of the CNMI, and for that, I support their decision.”

Sablan said: “We in the House minority have always placed the interests of the people first, before personal or special interests. That’s what Democrats stand for. And as Democrats, we are committed to improving opportunities for working families, expanding investments in public education and health care, protecting the environment, and embracing diversity. We believe in building an economy that works for everyone—not only the rich, not only the politically connected, not only the few.”

In his message to the citizens of the CNMI, Propst said: “We hope you will join us, because you are the change we’ve been waiting for.”

“If you are considering running for office, run with us,” Babauta urged. “Let’s create our CNMI together.”

NMI Democratic Party chair Nola Kileleman Hix welcomed the incumbent House representatives: “The CNMI has been under the same one-party rule for decades, and it is time for necessary change. The Democratic Party and its supporters are so proud that our incumbent legislators are here to help mold the party into what we all want it to be, by honoring its values and giving recognition to the critical role the young generation plays in our future development. We will work together to recruit candidates and elect leaders who will restore honesty, integrity, accountability, and respect for the rule of law in our CNMI government.”

Individuals who are interested in joining the Democratic Party or running as Democratic candidates may contact Hix at chairwoman@nmidems.org or (670) 989-6652. The deadline to submit letters of intent to run as Democrats in the 2020 midterm election is June 20, 2020.  (PR)