Passing the torch

Greetings,

Thanks to you, the people of the Northern Mariana Islands, I have had the extraordinary opportunity and most humbling responsibility over almost 16 years to be your voice and to represent your interests in the U.S. Congress.

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.

This decision comes after deep personal examination and consultation with Andrea, my loved ones and supporters.

And it is not because I have accomplished everything I wanted for the people of our islands. The work is far from done.

But I will leave Congress believing I have been able to establish the Northern Mariana Islands as a respected member of the American political family.

When as a young man I stood in the U.S. Capitol in 1986 and promised myself, if the Marianas ever had a place in the institution, I would strive to be elected. I never imagined I would be our first representative or be able to serve so long.

The people of the Marianas gave me this singular honor. I believe I have served you well. And I will be forever grateful.

May God bless us all.

Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan

Member of Congress

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.

Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan