Saipan Senator Edith Deleon Guerrero is leaving the Democratic Party of the Northern Marianas.

Deleon Guerrero said, “So much has happened throughout the years of my term and I figured that this time it is best if I just remove myself and not be a part of that. So I can stand alone and focus on what I am elected to do, which is to represent the people.”

As the first woman NMI Senate President, the senator is completing her first term. The Democratic Party announced her departure from the organization late Monday. 

Party Chair Jonathan Cabrera said, “We will always be grateful for her service and commitment…”

“I have a lot of deep respect for the officers of the party. There are some that are with the party, elected officials, that I do not particularly feel I can stand along with them anymore, said Deleon Guerrero. 

As her Senate seat is up in November’s mid-term election, Deleon Guerrero said she’s considering a run for U.S. Delegate.

She said, “I have been talking to a lot of friends and families, doing a lot of soul searching. Everybody knows that the delegate seat is up for grabs as well. I have not made an official announcement of what particular seat I will be seeking. But that will come in due time, once I make my final decision.”

For now, she’s focused on the job she has now. No matter the office she seeks, she told KUAM, she’ll be an Independent.

“I want to be a true Independent. I find much more comfort in that. I could speak my mind, speak my heart,” she added.