List of governors of the Northern Mariana Islands facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Governor of the Northern Mariana Islands
Commonwealth seal
Incumbent David M. Apatang since July 23, 2025
Residence	Juan A. Sablan Memorial Bldg.
Term length	4 years single term, eligible for second.
Inaugural holder	Carlos S. Camacho
Formation	January 9, 1978
Succession	Line of succession
Deputy	Lieutenant Governor of the Northern Mariana Islands
Website	Office of the Governor

The Governor is the top leader of the Northern Mariana Islands. This person is like the chief executive, making important decisions for the islands. They serve for a term of four years.

The longest-serving governors in the Northern Mariana Islands' history are Pedro Tenorio and Benigno Fitial. Pedro Tenorio served for 12 years in total. Benigno Fitial served for over seven years. The Northern Mariana Islands is one of the few U.S. territories that does not have a special home for its governor.

The current governor is David M. Apatang. He has been in office since July 23, 2025.

Who Leads the Northern Mariana Islands?

The Governor of the Northern Mariana Islands is a very important job. This person is in charge of the government and helps make sure the islands run smoothly. They work to improve life for everyone living there.

What Does a Governor Do?

• The Governor leads the executive branch of the government.
• They sign laws and make sure they are followed.
• They manage the budget and government programs.
• The Governor also represents the Northern Mariana Islands to other places.
• They work with the Lieutenant Governor of the Northern Mariana Islands to serve the people.

A Look at Past Leaders

The Northern Mariana Islands has had several leaders over the years. Before becoming a Commonwealth with its own Governor, there were "Resident Commissioners." These leaders helped guide the islands during an important time of change.

Resident Commissioners

These individuals served before the Northern Mariana Islands had its own elected Governor.

No.	Portrait	Officeholder (Born–Died)	Took office	Left office	Party
1		Erwin Canham (1904–1982)	July 19, 1975	January 9, 1978		Republican

Governors of the CNMI

Here is a list of the people who have served as Governor of the Northern Mariana Islands.

Parties

      Democratic (2)       Republican (7)       Covenant (1)       Independent (1)

No.	Portrait	Officeholder (Born–Died)	Elected	Took office	Left office	Party
1		Carlos S. Camacho (born 1937)	1977	January 9, 1978	January 11, 1982		Democratic
2		Pedro Tenorio (1934–2018)	1981 1985	January 11, 1982	January 8, 1990		Republican
3		Lorenzo I. De Leon Guerrero (1935–2006)	1989	January 8, 1990	January 10, 1994		Republican
4		Froilan Tenorio (1939–2020)	1993	January 10, 1994	January 12, 1998		Democratic
5		Pedro Tenorio (1934–2018)	1997	January 12, 1998	January 14, 2002		Republican
6		Juan Babauta (born 1953)	2001	January 14, 2002	January 9, 2006		Republican
7		Benigno Fitial (born 1945)	2005 2009	January 9, 2006	February 20, 2013		Covenant (2006–2011)
							Republican (2011–2013)
8		Eloy Inos (1949–2015)	2014	February 20, 2013	December 29, 2015		Covenant (2013)
							Republican (2013–2015)
9		Ralph Torres (born 1979)	2018	December 29, 2015	January 9, 2023		Republican
10		Arnold Palacios (born 1955)	2022	January 9, 2023	July 23, 2025		Independent (2023–2024)
							Republican (2024–2025)
11		David M. Apatang (born 1948)	2022	July 23, 2025	Incumbent		Independent]

How a Governor is Chosen

If a Governor cannot finish their term, there is a clear plan for who takes over. This is called the line of succession. Usually, the Lieutenant Governor of the Northern Mariana Islands is next in line. This makes sure that the government always has a leader.

More About the Northern Mariana Islands

• List of governors of the Spanish Mariana Islands
• List of governors of Guam
• High Commissioner of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands
• Lieutenant Governor of the Northern Mariana Islands

See also

In Spanish: Gobernador de las Islas Marianas del Norte para niños