List of governors of the Northern Mariana Islands facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Governor of theNorthern Mariana Islands |
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![]() Commonwealth seal
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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.
Contents
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 | |
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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 | |
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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