Candidates launch slogans, campaign themes in CNMI's three-way race for governor

By Bryan Manabat

Saipan--Two independent teams and one Republican ticket have officially filed their candidacies with the Commonwealth Election Commission ahead of the Aug. 5 deadline, setting up a three‑way race for governor.

Former Gov. Ralph DLG Torres and longtime educator Benjamin Jones Jr. lead the Republican slate, while independents Rep. Blas Jonathan T. Attao with Speaker Edmund S. Villagomez, and former Education Commissioner Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho with former Senate President Edith Deleon Guerrero, also secured their spots on the 2026 ballot.

The filing marked the start of a competitive race shaped by contrasting visions for economic recovery, government accountability and long‑term stability for the commonwealth.

The CNMI voters are headed to the polls on Nov. 3 amid economic challenges, marked by a wave of business closures and stagnant tourism, exacerbated by two supertyphoons, Sinalaku and Bavi, which both left the islands in shambles.

The CNMI had 17,630 registered voters as of June 6.

Attao–Villagomez: 'A Voice for All'

Attao and Villagomez are centering their campaign on transparency, accountability and ethical leadership under the slogan “A Voice for All.” Their platform emphasizes a transparent, fundamental, responsible, and decisive approach to governance.

“We intend to be a voice for all—a transparent voice, a fundamental voice, a responsible voice, and a decisive voice,” they said, urging voters to judge them by their record, character, and performance.

Their campaign highlights more than two decades of government experience each, spanning legislative leadership, cross‑branch collaboration and major policy decisions.

Attao began his public service career in 2004 and has served as speaker, vice speaker and chair of the committee that voted to impeach Torres, then‑governor.

Villagomez, first elected in 2010, has held multiple leadership roles and currently serves as House speaker, focusing on accountability, economic policy, and government operations.

As the CNMI navigates major challenges, the team underscores the need for “stability, consistency and responsible governance.”

Gov. David M. Apatang and Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan, former CNMI delegate to Congress, have endorsed the Attao–Villagomez tandem. Apatang said the pair aligns with the administration’s push for transparency and fiscal responsibility, while Sablan described them as the “right choice” to address the CNMI’s economic challenges.

Torres–Jones: Reviving the economy

The Torres-Jones ticket is running on a platform focused on restoring economic stability, strengthening tourism and U.S. partnerships, and supporting educators.

“We know families are feeling the pressure, and businesses across our islands are working hard just to keep up,” the campaign said. “Our people deserve opportunity, stability, and a stronger future.”

The team emphasizes the link between economic recovery and education, arguing that students “should never be left behind” when the economy struggles. Their message centers on job creation, family support, and restoring opportunity across the islands.

“This campaign is rooted in listening, working together, and focusing on real solutions that make a difference,” they said. “We bring proven leadership from the past, valuable lessons learned, and a continued commitment to take action and serve with purpose.”

Torres served as the CNMI’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. He faced charges of corruption and neglect of duty but survived impeachment.

Jones, principal of Kagman High School, is making his first entry into electoral politics, bringing decades of experience in education and school administration.

Camacho–Deleon Guerrero: 'Strength. Courage. Patience.'

Camacho and Deleon Guerrero are campaigning on a platform they describe as “a journey for real change,” anchored in the values of strength, courage and patience.

Their plan centers on a 90‑day roadmap to stabilize the government, activate the economy and build long‑term resilience. The first three months of their administration would focus on auditing spending, tracking jobs data, meeting with frontline workers and publishing an Economic Recovery Blueprint.

“Too many families across our islands are working harder than ever while wondering if opportunity, stability and a future for the next generation will still exist here at home,” they said. “We believe the CNMI deserves better and we believe the CNMI deserves a future worth staying for.”

Their platform includes support for working families, strengthening small businesses, expanding workforce training, improving food security and rebuilding public confidence through transparency and accountability.

“The CNMI must become a place where families can stay, grow, invest, and pass opportunity to the next generation,” the campaign stated.

Camacho is a U.S. military veteran and former education commissioner whose career spans service in uniform, higher education, and government administration.

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After retiring from the military, he served as dean of student affairs at the University of Guam before returning to the CNMI to lead the Public School System, where he focused on stabilizing operations, strengthening workforce pathways, and improving accountability.

Deleon Guerrero is a former CNMI senator and former labor secretary with experience in workforce development and regulatory oversight.

At the Department of Labor, she managed employment programs and federal compliance during periods of economic transition. In the Senate, she worked on legislation involving social policy, economic reform and government operations. Her career has been marked by advocacy for workers’ rights, transparency, and stronger institutional performance.

Camacho and Deleon Guerrero frame their bid as a partnership rooted in public service and long‑term planning — a team they say is equipped to guide the CNMI through recovery with “strength, courage, and patience.”

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