List of governors of the Northern Mariana Islands facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Governor of the Northern Mariana Islands
Commonwealth seal
Incumbent Arnold Palacios since January 9, 2023
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

A governor is the leader of a state or territory, much like a president leads a country. In the Northern Mariana Islands, the governor is the head of the government. They are elected by the people to serve a four-year term.

The current governor of the Northern Mariana Islands is Arnold Palacios. He took office on January 9, 2023.

The longest-serving governors in the history of the Northern Mariana Islands are Pedro Tenorio and Benigno Fitial. Pedro Tenorio served for 12 years in total, while Benigno Fitial served for over 7 years. Interestingly, the Northern Mariana Islands is one of the few U.S. territories that does not have a special house for its governor.

Governors of the Northern Mariana Islands

This section lists the people who have served as governor of the Northern Mariana Islands since the position was created.

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

No.	Portrait	Officeholder	Elected	Took office	Left office	Party
1		Carlos S. Camacho	1977	January 9, 1978	January 11, 1982		Democratic
2		Pedro Tenorio	1981 1985	January 11, 1982	January 8, 1990		Republican
3		Lorenzo I. De Leon Guerrero	1989	January 8, 1990	January 10, 1994		Republican
4		Froilan Tenorio	1993	January 10, 1994	January 12, 1998		Democratic
5		Pedro Tenorio	1997	January 12, 1998	January 14, 2002		Republican
6		Juan Babauta	2001	January 14, 2002	January 9, 2006		Republican
7		Benigno Fitial	2005 2009	January 9, 2006	February 20, 2013		Covenant (2006–2011)
							Republican (2011–2013)
8		Eloy Inos	2014	February 20, 2013	December 29, 2015		Covenant (2013)
							Republican (2013–2015)
9		Ralph Torres	2018	December 29, 2015	January 9, 2023		Republican
10		Arnold Palacios	2022	January 9, 2023	Incumbent		Independent (2023–2024)
							Republican (2024–present)

What Happens Next?

If a governor cannot finish their term, there is a clear plan for who takes over. This is called the line of succession.

See also

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

• 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

Images for kids

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  Erwin Canham, a Resident Commissioner before the role of Governor was established.