Magofna seeks re-election as an independent

Rep. Corina L. Magofna (D-Saipan), who ran as a Democrat and won a Precinct 3 seat in the House of Representatives during a special election last Oct. 16, is seeking re-election on Nov. 8 but this time as an independent candidate.

Magofna assured, though, in a statement yesterday that, although her party affiliation may have changed, “my heart and commitment to serve our people remains the same, stout, strong, and unwavering.” She added, “I feel that I must focus on working for the people of Precinct 3.”

She said the voters of Precinct 3 elected her to fill a House seat that was left vacant when Rep. Ivan Blanco passed away on July 23, 2021, and that she is deeply humbled by the vote of confidence.

Magofna

As to why she is running as an independent candidate and not under the NMI Democratic Party, Magofna said she made the decision after many deep and lengthy conversations and discussions with family members, friends, and, most importantly, her constituents.

“I did it to help our people and not for any particular party. My loyalty is to the people,” she told Saipan Tribune.

Magofna is a former budget officer at the Commonwealth Utilities Corp. She has a bachelor’s degree in Business Accounting from the University of Phoenix and an associate degree in Accounting from the University of Hawaii.

She first ran for the House in November 2020, but she was 34 votes shy of securing victory.

At the special election, Magofna handily defeated Grace “Pitu” Sablan Vaiagae of the NMI Republican Party. She took her oath of office last Oct. 20.

In the last five months that she has worked as a representative, Magofna said she has contributed positively to highlight the community’s concerns about transparency, fairness, and ongoing oversight with regard to taxpayer funds (local and federal).

She added that she has supported cross-aisle legislation that has positively impacted the community and she hopes that she has earned their trust and served them well.

“I thank you all for believing in me to represent you and be your voice in [the Legislature]. I fervently believe that I have worked diligently for your and our community’s best interest,” the lawmaker said.

Magofna said she decided to run for office as an independent after “much deliberation.”

“And I humbly ask for your continued support,” she added.

The lawmaker said she wants the people to know that she is still the Corina that they have voted to public office, and that she is still the same person with the same principles and commitment to everyone.

Magofna said she has no quarrel with her Democratic Party colleagues and that she wishes them all the best. “After all, we are all striving for fairness and equality. No ‘pay to play’ politics, no sweetheart deals, and no special contracts under the disguise of an emergency need,” she said.

The lawmaker said her door will always be open and that she hopes that she may once again be afforded by the people of the Commonwealth the opportunity to continue to serve their interests at the Legislature.

“We are one Marianas. We are resilient. And we are a respectful and caring community,” Magofna said.