CNMI's 2026 general election field takes shape

The race for the Northern Mariana Islands' top leadership positions is heating up, with three distinct tickets vying for governor and lieutenant governor in the 2026 general election. The vote is set for November 3, and the field is taking shape with contested races anticipated for other key offices as well.

“

Right now, the government looks large because our economy is small.

Former Governor Ralph DLG Torres is seeking a return to office under the Republican banner, partnered with educator Benjamin Jones Jr. Two independent tickets are also challenging: Blas Jonathan "BJ" Attao with House Speaker Edmund Villagomez, and former education commissioner Dr. Lawrence Camacho running alongside former Senate President Edith Deleon Guerrero.

These gubernatorial hopefuls, along with their running mates for lieutenant governor, recently participated in the Saipan Chamber of Commerce's 2024 CNMI Lt Governor Candidates Business Forum. Discussions centered on pressing issues such as economic recovery, persistent workforce shortages, immigration policies, tourism development, government spending, and the critical need for enhanced disaster resilience.

“

We need to harden our infrastructure. We cannot continue to be waiting for power and water for 30 days, 60 days, 90 days.

Candidates presented differing views on economic strategy. Jones emphasized rebuilding the private sector before considering significant government employment reductions, stating, "Right now, the government looks large because our economy is small." Deleon Guerrero proposed a gradual payroll reduction through attrition and leveraging federal grants, while Villagomez called for a thorough assessment of government staffing and cross-training initiatives. Workforce availability was a shared concern, with all candidates supporting proposed federal legislation to stabilize the CNMI's foreign labor force, including extending the Commonwealth-only Transitional Worker program.

“

Today's an important day for us because this just brings reality closer to officially getting off to the races.

Infrastructure resilience in the face of frequent typhoons was another focal point. Deleon Guerrero stressed the urgency of hardening infrastructure, declaring, "We need to harden our infrastructure. We cannot continue to be waiting for power and water for 30 days, 60 days, 90 days." The campaigns officially began to crystallize on July 30 when Attao and Villagomez filed their petitions, marking a tangible step towards the election. Villagomez described the moment as bringing "reality closer to officially getting off to the races." The Republican Party followed with a mass filing on August 3.

“

Your vote is your voice. We're a voice for all, and together we will make the CNMI stronger and prouder.