Palacios plans to seek Republican endorsement in 2026

05/19/2025 - Gov. Arnold I. Palacios announced he will seek the endorsement of the Republican Party of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in 2026, formally marking his return to the party after a split that significantly impacted the 2022 gubernatorial elections.

Speaking after casting his vote at the GOP general membership meeting held at the Garapan Round House last May 15, Palacios said, “If I do, it's going to be under the Republican Party...If I'm going to do it, I'm going to do it as a member of the Republican Party.”

Palacios, who ran and won as an independent in 2022 against then incumbent Republican governor Ralph DLG Torres after a run-off, said he never bore resentment toward the party or its members.

“One time in the very near past, we were all friends. I really never had any negative feelings against anybody, past or present Republicans. It’s all good,” he said. “We’re going to have to trust the process and whoever is elected as board. And yes, I plan to seek the party’s endorsement.”

As for his potential running mate if he wins the GOP endorsement, Palacios said, “I don't know. That's still a secret.”

When he won three years ago, Palacios beat Torres in a runoff with Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang as part of his ticket.

Palacios’ return was one of several highlights of the event, which included the election of new GOP officers. The party elected Joseph Lee Pan Guerrero as its new president, signaling a reorganization effort following the GOP’s 2022 electoral defeat.

The former House of Representatives member secured a strong majority in the three precincts—267 votes on Saipan, 103 votes on Tinian, and 38 votes on Rota for a total of 408 votes

His opponent, Kimo Rosario, received 199 votes across the islands. Other election results saw Pat Rasa voted as first vice president after running unopposed, Patrick Cepeda as second vice president with 365 votes after beating Pete Itibus and his 189 votes, Irene Holl as secretary with 335 over Mildred Camacho’s 234 votes, Melvin Faisao as treasurer wit 364 over Daniel Quitugua’s 201.

The total number of votes cast exceeded 600, marking a strong turnout that GOP leaders say reflects renewed enthusiasm within the party.

In an interview following his election, Guerrero welcomed Palacios and other returning members, stating, “We welcome him if he plans to run for governor again. All he has to do is submit his intention to the party, and we will review his credentials based on our bylaws.”

He stressed that the GOP will enforce party unity through its rules,“We want to make sure that those running under the GOP agree that at the end of the primary, whoever wins will have the support of all the others. We will not allow anyone to come in, lose, and then run independently.”

Guerrero also said the party will now work to reestablish all precincts, including for the position of nonvoting delegate to U.S. Congress, and push forward a full slate of candidates for 2026. He, however, noted that the incumbent, Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds is the priority. 

“If you're a true Republican, stay Republican,” Guerrero said. “We’re going to move forward and find the right candidates to run on the Republican Party.”

The party’s new leadership said their immediate focus is on internal organization and reviewing the bylaws to ensure compliance and cohesion ahead of the 2026 election season.

“We must abide by that bylaws just like as a Bible in church. That bylaws govern the Republican Party,” Guerrero emphasized. “We’re not going to be sitting there squabbling about amending sections. We are going to digest that bylaws and stick to that and move forward.”

The event was seen as a symbolic reset for the GOP, which has been fractured since the last election. By welcoming back figures like Palacios and laying the groundwork for unity through a primary process, party leaders hope to avoid a repeat of the 2022 division.

As Palacios put it, “We’re all human beings and we make choices. But I think today is a reflection of the wants of the members of the Republican Party to put it all together.”

With a full leadership slate now in place, the GOP is expected to announce its primary procedures and open candidate filings in the coming months. Palacios’ declaration that he would only run under the Republican banner ends months of speculation about whether he would launch another independent bid.

The 2026 election season is now shaping up to be a critical test of the Republican Party’s unity—and its ability to bring together its old and new members under one banner.

Story by Mark Rabago