Saipan, CNMI — In the wake of Governor Arnold I. Palacios’ sudden passing on July 23, 2025, leadership in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands transitioned swiftly and in accordance with the CNMI Constitution.
Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang was officially sworn in as Governor on Thursday, July 24, 2025. Alongside him, Senate President Dennis C. Mendiola took the oath of office as the new Lieutenant Governor. Both were sworn in by the Chief Justice at the Governors office in Saipan.
Under Section 7 of the CNMI Constitution, the lieutenant governor assumes the governorship in the event of a sitting governor’s death, removal, or resignation. The Senate president then becomes lieutenant governor.
The sudden transition comes as the CNMI mourns the loss of Governor Palacios, a respected leader whose decades of public service shaped the Commonwealth’s legislative and executive institutions.
Late Gov. Palacios was in the second year of his term, which began in January 2023. Newly sworn in Gov. Apatang and Lt. Gov. Mendiola will serve the remainder of the current term. By: Eustoria Marie Borja