NMI Republican Party has a new president in Patrick Cepeda

On November 8, 2025, Patrick Cepeda became the President of the Northern Mariana Islands Republican Party after the previous President Joseph T. Guerrero stepped down. Guerrero represented District One in the NMI’s House of Representatives, leaving office on January 9, 2023. He later ran for mayor of Saipan, but lost the election on November 8, 2022. Cepeda took on the position of President of the NMI Republican Party after Guerrero stepped down due to personal reasons.

The board accepted his resignation, thanking him for his service. Under the party’s bylaws, first Vice President Patricia Rasa would normally assume the presidency. Yet, she declined the offer, citing “health and personal reasons,” according to the Republican Party of the Northern Mariana Islands Association. This led the board to appoint Patrick Cepeda to the position, effective immediately.

Before becoming the President of the NMI Republican Party, Patrick Cepeda was the Second Vice President. In addition, he had previously run to represent District One in the NMI House of Representatives. He lost the election on November 8, 2022. 

“Mr. Cepeda is a long-standing member of the Republican Party and is recognized for his leadership, integrity, and commitment to public service,” the RPNMIA announced. “The board expressed confidence that under Mr. Cepeda’s guidance, the RPNMIA will continue to build upon the Party’s long history of service to the people of the Commonwealth.”

Party leaders are confident that Cepeda will build on the party’s goals across NMI. One of these initiatives is working on a strategy for the upcoming election. On November 18, 2025, President Patrick Cepeda spoke with Marianas Press’ Thomas Manglona II. He discussed the party’s strategies to win more seats and the potential primary for the gubernatorial race. Cepeda explained that he hoped to “regain back the confidence and the trust of the CNMI” by “fill[ing] the slate with really good, qualified candidates.” Cepeda also said, “A vote for the Republican Party… under my leadership is a vote for the people.”

According to the Mariana Variety, Cepeda believes Republicans “can actually help the people.” With a Republican administration and legislature, many of the NMI Republican leaders claim the territory can better confront its economic challenges.

The Northern Mariana Islands are in crisis, with a public debt of $121.1 million, among other concerns. Closures of casinos and hotels have led to more unemployment and a delayed economic recovery. High import costs, vulnerability to natural disasters, undiversified economies, and outmigration have also contributed to the territory’s debt.   

Steve Jang, a longtime CNMI businessman, said the debt “can shake trust in the government’s ability to pay its vendors, deliver services, and respond to crises.”These are the key issues that Patrick Cepeda plans to address. With him, Patricia Rasa will continue to be the First Vice President. Irene Holl will serve as Secretary, and Melvin Faisao as Treasurer. The Second Vice President position is currently vacant.