Micronesia Mall’s Meet the Candidates event Saturday turned its Center Court into a flurry of interactions between 2026 election candidates and voters, drawing residents eager to engage potential representatives directly.
Roy Advincula said he appreciated meeting candidates face to face rather than seeing them only on billboards and campaign materials.
“Well, I’m looking for good leadership. That’s it. There’s good leadership, lead the way,” he said.
Mynette Dizon attended with fellow child care operators to advocate for the industry, seizing on the event after a week of unanswered calls and emails to senators occupied with special session.
“I’m here with my fellow daycare owners, and we’re going around meeting all the candidates and expressing ... our concerns, our wishes, our desires,” Dizon said.
Dizon had held off on early voting specifically for the event.
“I didn’t want to do the early voting, because I wanted to see who I needed to vote for, who loves kids, who is for the working families. So that’s why I’m here and this is a great event. I’m glad everybody’s here,” she said.
“I’m looking for someone that cares about the issues that I care about,” Dizon added.
Attendee Mary Lou Wheeler said she appreciated seeing the work candidates put into campaigning.
“I think it’s really nice to see the candidates all in one place and if you have a question you can go from one to another and ask your question and everyone is available,” Wheeler said.
The 2026 Primary Election is set for Saturday, Aug. 1.