CNMI Gov. Palacios passes away

Arnold Palacios

By Pacific Island Times News Staff

CNMI Gov. Arnold I. Palacios passed away at Guam Regional Medical City at 10 p.m. Wednesday. He was 69.

He was flown to the GRMC in the afternoon following a recommendation from the medical team at Commonwealth Healthcare Center Corp. after "experiencing a medical incident" this morning.

Prior to his arrival in Guam, the Office of the Governor reported that Palacios was "in stable condition, in good spirits, and interacting normally with his medical team and family."

"Gov. Palacios passed away peacefully on the evening of Wednesday, July 23, 2025, surrounded by loved ones," the Office of the Lt. Governor said in a statement.

David M. Apatang, the lt. governor who will assume the governor's seat, offered his condolences and sympathy to First Lady Wella Palacios and their children and families.

Palacios assumed the CNMI's top political seat in 2023, serving as the 10th governor.

He defeated Gov. Ralph Torres in a gubernatorial run-off in 2022, securing a total of 7,077 or 54.05 percent of the votes. Palacios and Apatang are the first Independent candidates to win the gubernatorial race.

Palacios quit the Republican Party to become Independent after distancing himself from Torres, who was being investigated on corruption charges.

He returned to the Republican fold in January.

“I am deeply in sorrow and I join Wella and the family's grief during this time of mourning as we pray and remember my friend, Gov. Palacios, for his sacrifice and life of public service for all," Apatang said.

The statement from Apatang's office reads as follows:

"A dedicated public servant for more than three decades, Gov. Palacios served the people of the CNMI with unwavering commitment, compassion, and integrity.

"From his early service in the legislature to his time as lieutenant governor, speaker of the House, president of the Senate, and ultimately as governor, he was a tireless advocate for good governance, fiscal responsibility, environmental stewardship, cultural preservation, and the well-being of all who call the Marianas home.

"Gov. Palacios leaves behind a legacy defined by resilience, perseverance, humility, visionary leadership, and a deep love for the Commonwealth and its people. He will be remembered as a unifier, a steady hand during times of challenge, and a leader who never wavered in his belief in the strength and resilience of the people he served.

"The thoughts and prayers of the entire Commonwealth are with First Lady Wella Palacios, their children and grandchildren, the extended Palacios family, and all who mourn this immeasurable loss.

"As we grieve together, let us honor Governor Palacios by continuing to uphold the values he championed: unity, respect, and service.

"The CNMI flag shall be flown at half-staff until further notice in solemn tribute to the life and service of our beloved governor.

Palacios was the second CNMI governor to die in office. Eloy Inos, died in office at the age of 66 while recovering from open heart surgery in Seattle, Washington, on Dec. 28, 2015,