What are the CNMI voters looking for?
By Bryan Manabat
Saipan--Forget slogans. Forget pomp and circumstance. Forget political parties. Northern Marianas voters say they are simply looking for a competent leader who can pull the commonwealth out of the economic quagmire.
With a three‑way gubernatorial race set for the Nov. 3 general election, CNMI voters are heading to the 2026 polls amid an economy battered by business closures, low tourism arrivals and two super typhoons that left the islands struggling to rebuild.
Former governor Ralph DLG Torres is back on the campaign trail, maintaining a support base after dodging allegations of corruption and surviving an impeachment during his term in Capital Hill. He bears the Republican banner with educator Benjamin Jones Jr. as his running mate.
Lacking solid ground, the Democratic Party has no contender in the gubernatorial race. Two independent teams—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—are also aiming for the top political seats.
CNMI voters are not generally attached to the party system. Voters across Saipan, Tinian and Rota said they are looking for political leaders who can confront the cost of living, restore reliable utilities, enforce labor and ethics laws fairly and chart a long‑term economic path that reduces dependence on any single foreign market.
Brian Li, an attorney, said issues facing the commonwealth are clear: the cost of living, utilities, healthcare, jobs for local residents and economic diversification. But he emphasized that voters should also demand “integrity, competence, transparency, independence from special interests, and a willingness to apply the same rules regardless of wealth or connections.”
Li said corruption allegations matter, but only when supported by evidence. “Allegations are not proof,” he said. “I consider the supporting evidence, any official findings, how the candidate responds, and whether there is a broader pattern of misconduct.”
He added that the CNMI must welcome lawful investment while ensuring that employment, immigration and licensing laws are enforced equally, so that qualified local residents receive fair opportunities.
For Simon Manacop, assistant chief of police, public safety concerns are tied to economic decline.
Manacop said the economy remains the root of nearly every challenge facing the islands. “So far we've witnessed firsthand how a weak economy has impacted our lives, our jobs, government finances, utilities, healthcare and public safety,” he said.
Manacop urged voters to choose candidates with competence, integrity, experience and a realistic plan for the next 20 to 30 years. He said voters should look past party affiliation and campaign promises, noting how often promises fail once candidates take office.
Allegations of corruption should be weighed carefully, Manacop said. “The question shouldn’t simply be, ‘Has this candidate ever been accused of something?’ It should be, ‘Based on the evidence and the candidate’s record, can the candidate be trusted to exercise the powers of governor honestly, responsibly, and in the public’s interest?’”
A Tinian resident, who requested anonymity, seeks broader representation in policy-making, which is largely concentrated on the main island. “Coming from Tinian, I also want the outer islands to be part of the conversation, not just Saipan,” the resident said.
Marcelo Masilungan, a businessman, said the next governor must understand the state of the economy, strengthen locally owned businesses and attract responsible investment. “I am looking for a leader who provides solutions and takes action,” he said. “I want to see what the candidate plans to accomplish during the first 30 days in office, not just promises.”
Masilungan encouraged voters to fully participate in the electoral process. “Our vote is our voice, and the future direction of the CNMI depends on our participation.”
Across interviews, one message stands out: voters want leaders who can rebuild trust, restore stability, and deliver a future where families can stay, work and thrive in the islands.
Dandan resident Honora Tenorio said the next governor must confront the economy and the condition of the islands’ infrastructure, which she described as central to daily life and long‑term stability.
ADVERTISEMENT
Tenorio said she hopes the commonwealth’s voters choose “the best team that is for all, not a select few.” The CNMI needs a “fresh start and new ideas,” she added, and =candidates who avoid political drama and focus on solutions will be better positioned to lead.
With early voting scheduled from Oct. 27 to Nov. 2, the CNMI electorate is preparing for a consequential decision.
The Attao–Villagomez team is campaigning under the slogan “A Voice for All,” emphasizing transparency, accountability and ethical leadership. Both are longtime lawmakers who say they want to rebuild trust in government through responsible and decisive governance.
The Torres-Jones ticket is campaigning to restore economic stability, strengthen tourism and U.S. partnership and support educators.
ADVERTISEMENT
Torres previously served as 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 impeachment and multiple corruption and neglect‑of‑duty charges, but the Senate acquitted him during impeachment proceedings, and the criminal cases were later dismissed following a court‑approved settlement.
Jones, a longtime educator and former Kagman High School principal, is a newcomer to electoral politics and describes himself as a “rookie,” bringing decades of experience in school administration.
The Camacho–Deleon Guerrero team describes its campaign as “a journey for real change,” anchored in strength, courage and patience. Camacho’s background spans military service, higher education and government administration, while Deleon Guerrero brings experience in workforce development and regulatory oversight.
Subscribe to
our digital
monthly issue
