SAIPAN — Four-term Precinct 4 Rep. Joel Castro Camacho formally announced he will run for Saipan mayor in 2026, saying the job’s resources would let him scale the hands-on cleanup and safety projects his office has carried out for years.
Camacho, first elected in his late 20s and now in his eighth year at the House, said the campaign is about implementing a vision across the island; repainting medians and sidewalks, improving visibility and safety, and expanding mural and beautification work, rather than opposing the incumbent.
Camacho told NMI News Service he wants to “spread that love throughout the island of Saipan” after years of precinct-level projects and partnerships with agencies and volunteers. He said his office has operated with two to three staffers and occasional volunteers, and has funneled more than $200,000 from office allocations into community work over seven years.
Recent efforts include repainting island medians and sidewalks for visibility and safety; pressure-washing sidewalks; and maintaining shoulders, guardrails and cemeteries. “We’re doing it with three people and some volunteers,” he said.
Asked whether he would take the same approach islandwide, Camacho said effective leadership means collaboration and showing up. “I’ll even go out myself, riding mower, paint, whatever I need to do,” he said. “When you lead by example, people will follow.”
Camacho stressed his run is not about the title. “It’s about the resources that the mayor’s office has” to serve Saipan, he said, citing his legislative relationships and experience lobbying for funding as advantages for scaling projects.
Bruce Camacho, Joel’s cousin, Army veteran and long-time campaign chair, said community members outside Precinct 4 have asked for the work to expand south, arguing the mayor’s budget is “best suited for what Joel’s capable of doing.”
As he looked into the camera to close the interview, Camacho added: “I love our CMI. I love the island of Saipan. I’m going to put that same dedication and fire in this upcoming campaign.”
Watch the full interview on the NMI News Service Facebook page or YouTube channel.
