CNMI Governor Arnold Palacios has rejoined the Republican Party, according to a December 23, 2024, statement from the Republican National Committee.
Palacios, who had previously served as a Republican, ran as an independent in the 2022 gubernatorial election alongside his running mate, former Saipan Mayor David M. Apatang. Their independent bid followed the local Republican Party's refusal to hold a gubernatorial primary, prompting Palacios and Apatang to sever ties with the GOP. In the runoff election, they defeated the Republican ticket of then-Governor Ralph DLG Torres and Senator Vinnie Sablan, securing the governorship with support from the local Democratic Party.
In a recent radio interview, Palacios explained his decision to realign with the Republican Party, citing the current political landscape. He noted that with a Republican president and Republican majorities in both the House and Senate, he believes that aligning his administration with the GOP is in the best interest of the Commonwealth. "I think it's for the betterment of the Commonwealth to consider that and put away my personal views and align myself to the Republican Party,” said Palacios.
However, some members of the local Republican Party have expressed concerns, stating that they were not consulted by Palacios regarding his decision to rejoin the GOP. The Palacios-Apatang administration's current cabinet includes members from the Independent-Democratic alliance, reflecting the coalition that supported their 2022 election victory.
The Republican National Committee also announced that Governor-elect Pulaalii Nikolao Pula of American Samoa has joined the Republican Party, highlighting a broader trend of political realignment in these Pacific territories.
