SAIPAN – Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho told NMI News Service Wednesday that he will resign from his post, citing his candidacy for governor as the reason. The statement came after word of his impending departure began circulating publicly.
Camacho is running for governor in the 2026 election alongside running mate Edith DeLeon Guerrero. He did not state an effective date for his departure.
Reached for comment after reports of his resignation began spreading, Camacho sent the following statement to NMI News Service:
“Although my running mate Edith DeLeon Guerrero and I announced our candidacy for governor and lieutenant governor, my focus right now is on our students who deserve the best. I want to steady the course and celebrate them. The promotion of 6th graders and graduation of 12th graders, along with all of our students, must be celebrated by everyone. It is our tradition. Giving them the opportunity to enjoy this moment with utmost respect and recognition is paramount in our academic enterprise. In fact, let me use this opportunity to rally all officials and political leaders to join me in celebrating our future leaders, problem solvers, and designers of our great and wonderful Commonwealth.”
The Board of Education has not yet announced a successor or a process for naming an acting commissioner.