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07/25/2025 - Tinian Senator Karl King-Nabors is now CNMI Senate President after former Senator Dennis Mendiola was sworn in as Lieutenant Governor on Thursday, following the passing of the late Governor Arnold I. Palacios on Wednesday.
“These are difficult times. We are a small community. Regardless of the difficulties or whatever perceived misunderstandings we might have or unalignment of our political agendas, we feel the loss of our community, and my heart and prayers go out to Governor Palacios and his family,” King-Nabors told Marianas Press moments after Mendiola officially became lieutenant governor.
The Senate President confirmed to Marianas Press that Saipan Senator Corina Magofna will serve as the new Vice-President of the Senate. Meanwhile, Rota Senator Donald Manglona will remain Floor Leader. Sen. Francisco Cruz will continue to be the Legislative Secretary.
Magofna is currently off-island, and MP has reached out to her for comment. New committee assignments will be announced next week.
One Senate seat for Rota is now vacant with Mendiola’s move to the executive branch. King-Nabors said that the seat will be filled by the second-highest vote getter in the last election, who is longtime lawmaker Paul Manglona. Former Senator Paul Manglona lost to Senator Ronnie Calvo in the 2024 election by 58 votes in a two-person race.
In his remarks after Mendiola’s swearing in, Governor David Apatang encouraged Senators to work with the new administration to build a better Commonwealth.
Report by Thomas Manglona II
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