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Arnold Palacios
Arnold Palacios.jpg
10th Governor of the Northern Mariana Islands
In office
January 9, 2023 – July 23, 2025
Lieutenant David Apatang
Preceded by Ralph Torres
Succeeded by David Apatang
12th Lieutenant Governor of the Northern Mariana Islands
In office
January 14, 2019 – January 9, 2023
Governor Ralph Torres
Preceded by Victor Hocog
Succeeded by David Apatang
19th President of the Northern Mariana Islands Senate
In office
January 10, 2017 – January 14, 2019
Preceded by Frank Borja
Succeeded by Victor Hocog
13th Speaker of the Northern Mariana Islands House of Representatives
In office
January 14, 2008 – January 11, 2010
Preceded by Oscar M. Babauta
Succeeded by Froilan Tenorio
Personal details
Born
Arnold Indalecio Palacios

(1955-08-22)August 22, 1955
Saipan, Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands (now Northern Mariana Islands)
Died July 23, 2025(2025-07-23) (aged 69)
Dededo, Guam
Political party Republican (before 2021, 2024–2025)
Independent (2021–2024)
Education Portland State University (BS)

Arnold Indalecio Palacios (August 22, 1955 – July 23, 2025) was an important leader from the Northern Mariana Islands. He served as the tenth Governor of the Northern Mariana Islands from 2023 until his passing in 2025. Before becoming governor, he was the 12th Lieutenant Governor of the Northern Mariana Islands from 2019 to 2023. He also served in both the Northern Mariana Islands Senate and the Northern Mariana Islands House of Representatives. Mr. Palacios was mostly a member of the Republican Party, but he made history by becoming the first independent candidate elected as governor.

Early Life and Education

Arnold Palacios was born on August 22, 1955, on the island of Saipan. His father, Dr. Francisco T. Palacios, was also involved in important work for the islands. Arnold went to Portland State University and earned a degree in business. In the 1990s, he worked as the Director of Fish and Wildlife, helping to protect the natural environment of the islands.

A Career in Public Service

Arnold Palacios dedicated many years to serving the people of the Northern Mariana Islands.

Serving in the House of Representatives

He first represented District 3 in the Northern Mariana Islands House of Representatives. This district included parts of Saipan and the Northern Islands. In 2008, he became the Speaker of the House, which is a very important leadership role.

Working for the Environment

From 2010 to 2014, Mr. Palacios served as the Secretary of the Department of Lands and Natural Resources. In this role, he helped manage and protect the islands' land and natural resources under Governor Eloy Inos.

Becoming a Senator

In 2014, Arnold Palacios was elected to the Northern Mariana Islands Senate. He represented Saipan and became a Senator in 2015. During his time in the Senate, he was chosen by his fellow senators to be the Floor Leader.

Serving as Lieutenant Governor

In 2018, Governor Ralph Torres chose Arnold Palacios to be his running mate for the election. They won, and Mr. Palacios became the 12th Lieutenant Governor of the Northern Mariana Islands. He served in this role from 2019 to 2023.

Running for Governor

In 2021, Mr. Palacios decided to run for Governor himself. He chose Saipan mayor David M. Apatang as his running mate. He also made a big decision to run as an independent candidate, meaning he was not officially part of a major political party at that time.

In the 2022 election, he won, making history as the first independent candidate to become Governor of the Northern Mariana Islands. After winning, Governor Palacios brought people from different political backgrounds into his team to work together for the islands.

Governor of the Northern Mariana Islands

Arnold Palacios served as the tenth Governor of the Northern Mariana Islands starting in 2023. He worked hard to improve the lives of the people on the islands. In December 2024, he rejoined the Republican Party. He believed this decision would help bring more success and good policies to the islands.

Family Life

Arnold Palacios was married to Wella Sablan Palacios. They had four children together: Arnold Gerard, Nicole, Tiana, and Eric.

On July 23, 2025, Governor Palacios passed away at the age of 69. He was a dedicated public servant who worked tirelessly for the Northern Mariana Islands.

See Also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Arnold Indalecio Palacios para niños

  • List of party switchers in the United States
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