Yes, Propst will!

With this wife, Daisy, and children by his side, House of Representatives floor leader Edwin K. Propst (D-Saipan) announced Tuesday night his intent to run as the CNMI’s delegate in the U.S. Congress under the NMI Democratic Party banner.

“These are hard times right now, but I can assure you we’re going to do everything we can to make things better. And I will do that in [Washington], D.C. I will be there for you,” said Propst in his remarks, drawing cheers from friends, colleagues, and supporters who attended the event held at the home of his late parents in Susupe.

Gov. Arnold I. Palacios came to support Propst’s intent to run as delegate. House of Representatives Speaker Edmund S. Villagomez (Ind-Saipan) also came, along with some other House members.

There is no word yet on who else will be running for delegate position.

Many people who attended the event signed a petition to elect Propst, who has already submitted his letter of intent to run for delegate under the NMI Democratic Party.

Propst is serving his fifth term in the CNMI House of Representatives, representing Precinct 1, where he has consistently emerged as top vote getter.

Propst acknowledged in his remarks that incumbent Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (D-MP) is irreplaceable. “He is somebody that regardless of who gets in, whether it’s me or somebody else, I can assure you that to try to compare ourselves to somebody that served proudly 16 years is not going to be easy,” he said.

Sablan recently announced that he will not be seeking a ninth term as delegate.

Propst said Sablan has done so much for the Commonwealth and always fought for the less fortunate. “He’s always tried to help people and bring people up. That is essentially how I want to serve,” he said.

Propst said he wants to follow Sablan’s footsteps and his journey, and support the things that he’s fought for, but with a few other things that he will be adding to the list.

Nonetheless, Propst said, he will be consulting with Sablan along the way and also “each every one of you.”

Former lawmaker Christina Marie E. Sablan, who chairs the Committee-to-elect Propst, said Propst is always humble, always putting the interests of people first.

Sablan said Propst has been a fighter for good governance, for accountability, and for helping the most vulnerable of the community.

“That is one thing that has struck me throughout our friendship for as long as I’ve known him, for as long as he’s been my colleague in the Legislature as well. He drops everything to help the person in front of him who needs help,” Sablan said.

Palacios said in a later interview that Propst is very honest and sincere, and that he admires his tenacity.

Palacios said Propst supported his candidacy for governor in the runoff election.

He said he knows that if elected as delegate, Propst is going to work hard for the CNMI.

“I admire him for not being afraid, for being courageous to take on the challenge,” the governor said.