Who is the Governor of the Northern Mariana Islands? Check Current Name, Political Party, Term Limits, and Prior Public Experience

The executive branch of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) is guided by its Governor who is currently, David M. Apatang. He is a pivotal figure in shaping the future of this US territory in the Pacific. This article offers a thorough examination of the individuals currently holding this significant office, their affiliation which can differ from mainland U. S. party structures, the Commonwealth's regulations on term limits, and the wealth of public experience that has equipped them for political leadership.

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Who is the Current Governor of the Northern Mariana Islands?

The current Governor of the Northern Mariana Islands is David M. Apatang. He officially assumed the Governor's office on July 23, 2025. He became the 11th individual to hold the post. He succeeded the previous governor, Arnold Palacios, who passed away on July 23, 2025. Apatang was previously the Lieutenant Governor and assumed the governorship following the line of succession.

Governor Apatang was born on July 10, 1948. He is a Vietnam War veteran and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in speech and communications from San Francisco State University.

What is the Political Party for the Governor of the Northern Mariana Islands?

Governor David M. Apatang was elected Lieutenant Governor in the 2022 gubernatorial election on an Independent ticket alongside Arnold Palacios. While he was previously associated with the Republican party, his win as an independent and the notion of governorship often reflect the fluid nature of political affiliation within the CNMI, where local issues and individual platforms can sometimes overtake strict party lines in American politics.

What are the Term Limit Regulations in his Commonwealth?

The Northern Mariana Islands have clear constitutional regulations regarding gubernatorial term limits. Governors are elected for four-year terms. According to Article III, Section 3 of the CNMI Constitution, "No person shall be elected Governor for more than two consecutive full terms." This means an individual can serve a maximum of eight consecutive years in office. After serving two consecutive terms, a former governor must wait at least one election cycle (four years) before being eligible to run for office again.

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What was his Significant Prior Public Experience?

Before becoming a governor, David M. Apatang stored a comprehensive and diverse public service experience within the CNMI government, demonstrating long -standing commitment for the Commonwealth:

• Military Service: He has been a Vietnam War veteran and served in the United States Army from 1967 to 1987. He retired with the rank of First Sergeant.

• Chief of Procurement and Supply and Acting Director of Finance and Accounting: From June 1987 to January 1996, I have served in these roles within the Department of Finance.

• State Director of the US Selective Service System: He held this position from 1990 to 1996.

• Member of the Saipan, Northern Islands Municipal Council: He served from January 1997 to January 1999.

• Member of the CNMI House of Representatives: He served three terms in the Northern Marianas Commonwealth Legislature from January 1999 to January 2011. He was elected to the House in the 1995 general election and later served seven consecutive terms.

• Mayor of Saipan: He served two terms as Mayor of Saipan from January 12, 2015, to January 8, 2023.

• Lieutenant Governor: Most recently, I have served as the Lieutenant Governor of the CNMI from January 9, 2023, to July 23, 2025, under Governor Arnold Palacios.

His extensive career trajectory through various legislative and executive roles provided him with a deep understanding of the CNMI's unique governance structure, its challenges, and its people, preparing him for the Commonwealth's highest executive office.