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List of governors of the Northern Mariana Islands facts for kids

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Governor of the
Northern Mariana Islands
Seal of the Northern Mariana Islands.svg
Commonwealth seal
David Apatang Standing with USAF Airmen Cropped.jpg
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 in Boston (1).jpg 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 Sablan Camacho.jpg Carlos S. Camacho
(born 1937)
1977 January 9, 1978 January 11, 1982 Democratic
2 Pedro P. Tenorio.jpg Pedro Tenorio
(1934–2018)
1981
1985
January 11, 1982 January 8, 1990 Republican
3 No image.png Lorenzo I. De Leon Guerrero
(1935–2006)
1989 January 8, 1990 January 10, 1994 Republican
4 Froilan 1.jpg Froilan Tenorio
(1939–2020)
1993 January 10, 1994 January 12, 1998 Democratic
5 Pedro P. Tenorio.jpg Pedro Tenorio
(1934–2018)
1997 January 12, 1998 January 14, 2002 Republican
6 FEMA - 7324 - Photograph by Andrea Booher taken on 12-20-2002 in Northern Mariana Islands (cropped).jpg Juan Babauta
(born 1953)
2001 January 14, 2002 January 9, 2006 Republican
7 Benigno Fitial 2009.jpg Benigno Fitial
(born 1945)
2005
2009
January 9, 2006 February 20, 2013 Covenant (2006–2011)
Republican (2011–2013)
8 Eloy Inos.jpg Eloy Inos
(1949–2015)
2014 February 20, 2013 December 29, 2015 Covenant (2013)
Republican (2013–2015)
9 Governor Torres official portrait, high resolution.jpg Ralph Torres
(born 1979)
2018 December 29, 2015 January 9, 2023 Republican
10 Arnold Palacios.jpg Arnold Palacios
(born 1955)
2022 January 9, 2023 July 23, 2025 Independent (2023–2024)
Republican (2024–2025)
11 David Apatang Standing with USAF Airmen Cropped.jpg 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

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Gobernador de las Islas Marianas del Norte para niños

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