Former governor Torres to run with Benjamin Jones Jr., seeks GOP support for gubernatorial ticket

Former CNMI governor Ralph DLG Torres will run with Kagman High School principal Benjamin Jones Jr. The Torres-Jones tandem wrote to the CNMI Republican Party on March 15, 2026, submitting their intent to run together as a gubernatorial team.

The move comes after former senator Vinnie Sablan, who currently serves as chief of staff to Lt. Gov. Dennis C. Mendiola, withdrew his intent to seek the gubernatorial nomination and instead run for the Saipan Senate. The CNMI-wide primary for the executive seat set for April was cancelled.

“After careful reflection and consultation with our families, supporters, and members of the community, we believe this is a critical time for experienced leadership to help guide the Commonwealth forward. Our islands face serious economic challenges, rising costs, and growing concerns about the stability of our schools and opportunities for our families,” both Torres and Jones wrote.

They added, “Our team is committed to restoring economic stability, strengthening tourism and partnerships with the United States, supporting our educators, and working toward restoring a full five-day school week so that our students receive consistent, innovative, and high-quality education. We believe that economic recovery and a strong education system are essential to supporting families, rebuilding our workforce, protecting our retirees, and securing the long-term future of the Commonwealth.”

Torres and Jones said, “Together, we bring a balanced team of executive leadership and educational experience. Ralph DLG Torres brings executive leadership and established relationships that can help guide economic recovery, while Benjamin Mendiola Jones Jr., a respected educator, brings a lifelong commitment to strengthening our schools, protecting our children, and serving our community.”

“We remain proud members of the Republican Party and respectfully seek the party's support as we move forward in our commitment to serve the people of the Commonwealth,” they concluded.

Other candidates in the gubernatorial race include the independent ticket of Rep. Blas Jonathan Attao and House Speaker Edmund Villagomez. The CNMI Democratic Party has not announced any gubernatorial candidates.

Gov. David M. Apatang said he will not run for governor in the 2026 general elections. This, after taking over the term of the late governor Arnold I. Palacios who died in office on July 23, 2025.