The 2026 Northern Mariana Islands gubernatorial election will be held on November 3, 2026, to elect the governor of the Northern Mariana Islands. Incumbent governor David M. Apatang, who was elevated to the role on July 23, 2025, after the death of Arnold Palacios, declined to run for a full term in office.
Background A governing coalition made up of independents and Democrats has governed the Northern Mariana Islands since 2023. In the 2024 general election, Republicans won the open US delegate seat while independents not aligned with the Palacios administration made modest gains in the legislature.
The Republican National Committee announced Palacios rejoined the Republican Party after the 2024 elections. Palacios' return received a lukewarm to hostile reception from local Republicans. Governor Arnold Palacios died on July 23, 2025, and was succeeded by Lieutenant Governor David M. Apatang.
Candidates Declared Blas T. Attao, former speaker of the Northern Mariana Islands House of Representatives (2019–2021) (Independent) Running mate: Edmund Villagomez, speaker of the Northern Mariana Islands House of Representatives (2021–present) Lawrence F. Camacho, commissioner of education (2024–present) (Independent) Running mate: Edith DeLeon Guerrero, former president of the Northern Mariana Islands Senate (2023–2025) from the 3rd district (2021–2025) Ralph Torres, former governor (2015–2023) (Republican) Running mate: Benjamin Jones Jr., principal of Kagman High School
Withdrawn Vinnie Sablan, former territorial senator and nominee for lieutenant governor in 2022 (running for Senate)
Declined David M. Apatang, incumbent governor of the Northern Mariana Islands (2025–present) (endorsed Attao)
Endorsements
See also 2026 United States gubernatorial elections Elections in the Northern Mariana Islands
References