GOP, Independents to face off in CNMI's 2026 gubernatorial election
- Admin
- 14 hours ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 7 hours ago
By Bryan Manabat
Saipan--Former Gov. Ralph DLG Torres has formally announced Kagman High School principal Benjamin Jones Jr. as his running mate in this year's gubernatorial race, solidifying the Republican Party’s ticket as the campaign season begins to take shape.
Torres, running for governor, and Jones, seeking the lieutenant governor post, will face the independent tandem of Rep. Blas Jonathan “BJ” Attao and House Speaker Edmund Villagomez, both longtime public officials vying for the Commonwealth’s top executive positions.
The NMI Democratic Party has not yet officially announced its candidates for the gubernatorial race, leaving the party’s plans for 2026 still taking shape as the GOP and independent teams move forward with early campaign activity.
As of March 5, the Commonwealth Election Commission reported 17,409 registered voters, reflecting a significant increase from the 2024 rolls as new voters, returning residents and reactivated registrants entered the system ahead of the gubernatorial election.
Voter participation in the CNMI has fluctuated over the past decade, with turnout generally declining as the electorate ages and younger voters register at lower rates.
The recent rise suggests renewed political engagement following several years of economic strain and population movement. These demographic shifts—including more first‑time voters and a growing number of stateside returnees—are expected to influence voter behavior as the 2026 race continues to take shape.
In a joint letter to NMI Republican Party President Patrick Cepeda, the Torres-Jones team said they chose to run under the GOP banner after “careful reflection and consultation with our families, supporters, and members of the community.”
“This is a critical time for experienced leadership to help guide the Commonwealth forward,” they wrote. “Our islands face serious economic challenges, rising costs, and growing concerns about the stability of our schools and opportunities for our families.”
The Republican ticket said their priorities include restoring economic stability, strengthening tourism and U.S. partnerships, supporting educators, and working toward reinstating a full five-day school week.
“We believe that economic recovery and a strong education system are essential to supporting families, rebuilding our workforce, protecting our retirees, and securing the long-term future of the commonwealth,” they said.
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Torres served as the commonwealth’s ninth governor from 2015 to 2023, first assuming office after the death of Gov. Eloy Inos and later winning a full term in 2018.
Before becoming governor, he served in the House and Senate, including as Senate president, and was elected lieutenant governor in 2014. A Boise State University graduate with a degree in political science, Torres has been a central figure in CNMI politics for nearly two decades.
Jones, a longtime educator and administrator, is the principal of Kagman High School and holds a master’s degree in physical education. He has spent his career in public education, focusing on student support, school stability, and teacher development.
His selection marks his first entry into electoral politics, with the GOP ticket emphasizing his experience in education to complement Torres’s executive background.
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Attao and Villagomez, both running as independents, vow to put "people first,” highlighting transparency, accountability and ethical leadership as core principles.
According to their campaign, each has more than 20 years of government experience and a record of public service shaped by work across multiple branches.
“BJ and Edmund know a simple truth; they work for the people of the CNMI, every village, every family, every voice,” their campaign stated.
The independent team said the commonwealth is navigating major changes, including recent business closures, underscoring the need for “stability, consistency, and responsible governance.” Their message emphasizes community engagement and ensuring residents feel heard.
Attao and Villagomez each bring more than two decades of government experience to their joint independent bid. Attao began his public service career as a legislative aide in 2004, serving through the 18th Legislature before being elected as Precinct 3 representative in 2015. He has held key leadership roles, including Speaker of the House, Vice Speaker, and chair of the impeachment committee that led to the historic vote to impeach then‑Gov. Ralph DLG Torres.
Villagomez, first elected to the Legislature in 2010, has served in multiple leadership capacities, including minority leader and chair of committees overseeing commerce, tourism, and judicial and government operations.
He is currently Speaker of the House. His legislative work has focused on accountability, economic policy and strengthening government operations.
The two lawmakers have built reputations for legislative leadership, cross‑branch experience, and long-standing involvement in major policy decisions affecting the commonwealth.
With both tickets now formally launched — and the Democratic Party still weighing its options — the 2026 gubernatorial election is shaping up as a contest between two distinct political paths: one rooted in party leadership and executive experience, the other in independent governance and long-standing legislative service.
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