Former Governor Torres Returns: After Months of Speculation, Files GOP Gubernatorial Bid with Educator Jones as Running Mate
SAIPAN — After months of speculation, former Governor Ralph DLG. Torres has formally entered the 2026 gubernatorial race, submitting a letter to the CNMI Republican Party on March 15 with Benjamin Mendiola Jones Jr., a respected local educator, as his candidate for lieutenant governor.
Apatang formally reinstates Epi Cabrera, says termination was without effect
Saipan — Governor David M. Apatang has formally reinstated Office of Grants Management Administrator Epiphanio E. Cabrera Jr., issuing a memorandum Friday declaring that the earlier termination letter signed during Acting Governor Dennis C. Mendiola’s tenure was legally ineffective.
Apatang says he will seek way to restore Macaranas, Cabrera after acting governor defends firings
Saipan — Governor David Mundo Apatang said Friday he was “very, very much surprised” and “very, very disappointed” by the firings of former Department of Public Safety Commissioner Anthony Macaranas and Grants Management Director Epiphanio “Epi” Cabrera, and said he will try to find a constitutional way to return both men to their positions after Acting Governor Dennis C. Mendiola publicly defended the removals earlier in the week.
Mendiola defends Cabrera, Macaranas firings after days of questions, says complaints and leadership concerns drove move
Saipan — Lieutenant Governor Dennis C. Mendiola, who was serving as acting governor during Governor David M. Apatang’s off-island absence, sat down with NMI News Service on Wednesday and offered his first extended public explanation for the removals of Epiphanio “Epi” Cabrera and former Department of Public Safety Commissioner Anthony Macaranas, saying the decisions were driven by complaints, unresolved issues, and leadership concerns.
Governor’s Office yet to issue statement on Cabrera, Macaranas firings
Saipan — Acting Governor Dennis Mendiola briefly stopped to speak with NMI News Service in a hallway at the Governor’s Office yesterday afternoon and explained that he was unable to do an interview because he was heading into another meeting, but said his schedule was full and that he would issue a statement regarding the firings of Epiphanio “Epi” Cabrera and Department of Public Safety Commissioner Anthony I. Macaranas.
GOP CNMI committee certifies two gubernatorial intent letters, sets April 11 primary
SAIPAN — The Republican Party of the Northern Mariana Islands said its Executive Committee has certified that two Letters of Intent have been submitted by Vinnie Flores Sablan and Ralph Deleon Guerrero Torres, with both seeking the party’s endorsement to run for governor of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
Deleon Guerrero Opposes Deep-Sea Mining off CNMI Coast, Cites Environmental and Cultural Concerns
Galvin Sablan Deleon Guerrero, Independent candidate for U.S. Congress, has formally submitted comments to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) opposing commercial leasing for seabed mineral extraction in waters offshore the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
King-Hinds Announces Re-election Bid for U.S. House Seat
SAIPAN — Kimberlyn King-Hinds has announced her intention to seek re-election to the United States House of Representatives under the CNMI Republican Party, submitting a letter of intent to party President Patrick M. Cepeda on December 12.
Ralph DLG Torres formally declares intent to run for CNMI governor under Republican banner
SAIPAN — Former CNMI Governor Ralph Deleon Guerrero Torres has formally notified the CNMI Republican Party that he intends to seek the GOP nomination for governor in the next gubernatorial election, citing the territory’s economic troubles and growing anxiety among retirees and government workers.
Vinnie Sablan seeks GOP nod for governor; party filing period runs through Dec. 12
Gubernatorial hopeful Vinny Sablan told Good Morning Marianas he has submitted a letter of intent and is seeking the CNMI Republican Party’s endorsement for governor, with the party’s filing period open until Dec. 12. Sablan said the party will determine next steps after that date, including whether a primary is needed.
