Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan Photo: Supplied
The Commonwealth of Northern Marianas (CNMI) first and only delegate to the US Congress has announced his retirement.
Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan, who turned 69 on Friday, said he will not be seeking another term as the CNMI's delegate in the US House of Representatives later this year.
Sablan became the CNMI's first elected delegate to the US House of Representatives in 2008. He is currently serving his eighth term.
He said this decision not to seek re-election comes after deep personal examination and consultation with his family and supporters.
"My love for the Marianas remains strong. But the time has come to pass this responsibility to a new representative the people will elect this November," he said.
He said the work is far from over, but he will leave Congress believing he has been able to establish the Northern Mariana Islands as a respected member of the American political family.
With Sablan's decision not to seek re-election, more candidates are expected to run for the delegate's position when the Northern Marianas goes to the polls in November.