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Senate unanimously accepts credentials for Paul E. Manglona and seats him to finish term; oath administered
Summary
The Northern Mariana Islands Senate voted unanimously to accept the credential committee report and seat Paul E. Manglona as senator for the First Senatorial District. The body administered the oath and recorded a 6-0 vote to adopt the committee recommendation.
The Northern Mariana Islands Senate voted unanimously on Aug. 7 to accept a credential committee report recommending that Paul E. Manglona be appointed to fill the vacancy in the First Senatorial District and be seated to serve the remainder of the term.
The credential committee recommendation was read on the floor by Senator Francisco Q. Cruz. The committee concluded that Manglona met the constitutional requirements cited in the report and that he was the next unsuccessful candidate from the November 2024 election willing to serve. The full Senate then voted to adopt special committee report number 24-02 by a 6-0 tally.
The credential committee's report states the vacancy arose after the untimely passing of Governor Arnold Ipalacios on July 24, 2025 and the subsequent succession of then–Senate President Dennis C. Mindola to lieutenant governor. Citing the Northern Mariana Islands Constitution, the report notes that when less than half of a senator's term remains the governor should appoint the next unsuccessful candidate who received the largest number of votes and is willing to serve. Governor David M. Apatang appointed Paul E. Manglona on July 30, 2025; the certified election results attached to the committee report are dated Aug. 4, 2025.
After the adoption, the Senate recessed briefly so a judge could administer the oath of office. Paul E. Manglona then addressed the chamber, thanked supporters and family, and said he was humbled to serve. The presiding officer announced that Senator Paul was present for the remainder of the session.
The Senate record shows the credential committee's findings that Manglona met age, residency and voter-registration requirements as set forth by the committee during its Aug. 4, 2025 meeting. The committee also reported no defects in character or other compliance issues that would prohibit seating him.
The action puts Manglona in office to serve the remaining term of the late Dennis C. Mindola. The committee attached to its report the governor's appointment letter (Gov. Msg. No. 24-63), the former senator's resignation (Senate Comm. No. 92492) and the certified election results (Gov. Msg. No. 24-66). The Senate granted Manglona the privileges and responsibilities pertinent to the office.
The Senate proceeded with other business after administering the oath.
