Economic recovery at the center of CNMI’s 2026 race

By Bryan Manabat

Saipan—The CNMI economy will be the defining issue of the 2026 gubernatorial election, with voters focused on which candidate can deliver growth, stability, and federal support. Tourism recovery, investment shortfalls and reliance on foreign markets remain pressing challenges, but candidates are already positioning themselves as leading contenders.

Gov. David Apatang was sworn into office in July following the death of Gov. Arnold Palacios. The event reshaped the political landscape but did not slow momentum toward the 2026 race.

Apatang, a Vietnam War veteran and former Saipan mayor, has carried forward Palacios’ promise of accountability and reform. He has emphasized transparency and fiscal responsibility as guiding principles of his tenure. Apatang has not declared a 2026 candidacy, but he has voiced support for independents Blas Jonathan Attao and Edmund Sablan Villagomez, both undefeated in prior elections and seen as strong challengers.

Lt. Gov. Dennis Mendiola, the former Senate president elevated after Apatang’s succession, has publicly backed Apatang’s leadership. A Republican, Mendiola is viewed as a potential contender himself, though he has so far aligned with Apatang’s reform agenda and stressed continuity in government.

The 2022 gubernatorial race marked a turning point in CNMI politics. Running as independents, Palacios and Apatang defeated incumbent Gov. Ralph Torres and his Republican ticket, securing victory through a coalition of independents and Democrats. Reformist Democrats Christina Sablan and Leila Staffler endorsed Palacios, consolidating anti-Torres sentiment amid corruption allegations and economic challenges.

The election underscored the growing influence of independent voters, many disillusioned with traditional party politics and drawn to platforms promising transparency and practical solutions.

The GOP, eager to reclaim the governorship, faces a pivotal moment. Former Gov. Ralph Torres, who served from 2015 to 2022, has announced his bid for the Republican nomination. Torres retains a loyal base but continues to face scrutiny over ethics controversies that contributed to his 2022 defeat. His former running mate, ex-Sen. Vinnie Sablan, has also declared, setting up a potential primary clash.

Party leaders are quietly encouraging Torres and Sablan to reach an arrangement before the primary, scheduled for late March or early April, to avoid a divisive contest. Mendiola’s presence adds another layer of complexity, with speculation that he could emerge as a compromise candidate should Torres and Sablan fail to unite.

Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds, elected in 2024, launched her reelection campaign under the GOP banner. King-Hinds has focused on revitalizing tourism, securing federal support, advancing education and health, supporting veterans and strengthening military readiness and indigenous rights while advocating for CNMI’s distinct interests in Washington.

King-Hinds recently secured a legislative victory by winning a CNMI provision in the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, strengthening the Commonwealth’s role in regional security and ensuring federal support for infrastructure tied to defense readiness. Her success has bolstered her standing within the party and sharpened her contest against Northern Marianas College president Galvin Deleon Guerrero, an independent expected to highlight workforce development and education.

Democrats have yet to announce a candidate for governor. Christina Sablan, known for her reformist platform and strong showing in 2022, remains a likely contender. Former U.S. Delegate Gregorio “Kilili” Sablan, a popular figure with deep ties to Washington, is also viewed as a potential candidate. Sen. Celina Babauta has been mentioned as another possible Democratic hopeful.

Independents are expected to play a decisive role once again, building on their success in 2022.

• Blas Jonathan Attao, former House speaker, undefeated in elections, with strong grassroots support. Backed by Apatang, he is seen as a leading contender.

• Edmund Sablan Villagomez, incumbent speaker, undefeated, with broad voter confidence and coalition appeal.

• Galvin Deleon Guerrero, Northern Marianas College president, running against King-Hinds for delegate, with a focus on education and workforce development.

• Other independents — Former Rep. Edwin Propst and ex-Sen. Edith Deleon Guerrero are also mentioned as possible candidates.

The strength of independents reflects voter disillusionment with traditional party politics. Many residents favor candidates who emphasize transparency, reform and practical solutions over partisan loyalty.

The CNMI Constitution requires that the governor and lieutenant governor be of Northern Marianas descent. The rule ensures the highest elected offices remain tied to indigenous identity and self-determination, reinforcing local control over political leadership. This means non-NMDs are not eligible to run.

Republicans have historically dominated CNMI politics, but the rise of independents in recent years has reshaped the landscape, challenging traditional party structures.

With shifting alliances and multiple high-profile names in the mix, the 2026 race is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in CNMI history. The 2022 election demonstrated the power of independents and reform-minded voters, and the upcoming contest will test whether traditional party structures can regain ground.

At stake is not just political leadership but the commonwealth’s economic future and voters are signaling optimism that new leadership can turn challenges into opportunities, delivering accountability, reform and growth.

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