Ralph Torres facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ralph Torres
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Torres in 2021
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| 9th Governor of the Northern Mariana Islands | |
| In office December 29, 2015 – January 9, 2023 |
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| Lieutenant | Victor Hocog Arnold Palacios |
| Preceded by | Eloy Inos |
| Succeeded by | Arnold Palacios |
| 10th Lieutenant Governor of the Northern Mariana Islands | |
| In office January 11, 2015 – December 29, 2015 |
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| Governor | Eloy Inos |
| Preceded by | Jude Hofschneider |
| Succeeded by | Victor Hocog |
| President of the Northern Mariana Islands Senate | |
| In office February 20, 2013 – January 12, 2015 |
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| Preceded by | Jude Hofschneider |
| Succeeded by | Victor Hocog |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Ralph Deleon Guerrero Torres
August 6, 1979 Garapan, Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands (now Northern Mariana Islands) |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Diann Mendiola Tudela |
| Children | 6 |
| Education | Boise State University (BA) |
Ralph Deleon Guerrero Torres, born on August 6, 1979, is a politician from the Northern Mariana Islands. He served as the ninth governor of the Northern Mariana Islands from December 29, 2015, to January 9, 2023. He is a member of the Republican Party and is from Saipan, which is part of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI).
Torres was the third longest-serving governor in the history of the CNMI. He became governor after Governor Eloy Inos passed away in 2015. He was then reelected as governor in 2018. Before becoming governor, he served as the tenth lieutenant governor, a position he was elected to in 2014.
Early Life and Education
Growing Up in the Northern Mariana Islands
Ralph Torres was born on August 6, 1979. His family was Chamorro, and they lived in Garapan. At that time, Garapan was part of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands.
His father worked for the government and a utility company. His mother was a teacher at an elementary school. Ralph grew up with his parents and five brothers and sisters. They lived in a house in Koblerville that his family built.
Moving to Idaho for School
Later, Torres and his family moved to Boise, Idaho. He went to Boise High School and graduated in 1996. He then attended Boise State University, where he earned a degree in political science in 2001. In 2004, he started working with his brothers at their law firm, Torres Brothers, Attorneys at Law.
Early Political Career
Serving in the Legislature
In 2007, Ralph Torres was elected to the Northern Mariana Islands House of Representatives. He received the most votes in his district. In 2009, he was elected to the Northern Mariana Islands Senate.
While in the Senate, he took on many important roles. From 2010 to 2015, he was the chairman of the Health & Welfare Committee. In February 2013, he became the president of the Senate.
Becoming Lieutenant Governor
In the 2014 election for governor, Torres ran as the lieutenant governor candidate. He was on the Republican Party ticket with Eloy Inos. They won the election, and Torres was sworn in as lieutenant governor on January 12, 2015.
Governorship
Taking Office as Governor
Ralph Torres became the governor of the Northern Mariana Islands on December 29, 2015. This happened after the death of the sitting governor, Eloy Inos. According to the rules, the Senate president, Victor Hocog, then became lieutenant governor.
In the 2018 election, Torres ran for a full term as governor. His running mate was Arnold Palacios. They won the election, defeating another team.
Key Decisions as Governor
As governor, Torres approved a law that added a special tax on certain purchases. This law was later changed because it did not follow the rules.
Challenges During His Term
During his time as governor, Torres and his wife, Diann Torres, faced some criticism. This was mainly about the cost of a trip they took to Montana in 2017.
In November 2019, the FBI conducted a search at Torres's office, home, and car. They also searched his brothers' law firm and other businesses. This was part of an investigation.
Later in November 2019, the Northern Mariana Islands House of Representatives considered removing Torres from office. This was due to the ongoing investigation and concerns about how some government money was used. In May 2022, the Senate decided that he would not be removed from office.
National Politics
In 2016, Torres supported Donald Trump during the presidential election. He continued to support Trump in the general election that year.
After Joe Biden won the 2020 presidential election, Torres congratulated him. He also thanked Trump for his support for the people of the Northern Mariana Islands. Torres mentioned that Trump had helped the islands, especially after Super Typhoon Yutu.
Personal Life
Ralph Torres is married to Diann Mendiola Tudela. They have six children together: Ralph Anthony, Vaniqa Marie, Deon Titus, Tristan Dane, Divannie, and Ryan. Torres is of Chamorro background.
See also
- Governor of the Northern Mariana Islands
- Lieutenant Governor of the Northern Mariana Islands
