Emphasizing that the CNMI must create real opportunities for its graduates, Lawrence Camacho and Edith Deleon Guerrero launched their independent gubernatorial ticket on May 16 with a pledge to rebuild the workforce and stabilize the economy.
A retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel, Camacho served 27 years in uniform, including peacekeeping in Bosnia, two combat tours in Iraq, and a strategic assignment at the U.S. Embassy in Egypt. His career also included teaching at Georgia Tech, advising multiple U.S. combatant commands, and commanding the 53rd Movement Control Battalion.
After retiring from the military, Camacho spent five years as dean of student affairs at the University of Guam before returning home to lead the CNMI Public School System, where he pushed for career pathways and workforce‑aligned education.
Camacho said Deleon Guerrero — a former senator and former CNMI Labor secretary — brings fiscal and labor expertise essential to rebuilding the economy. They are running as independents, saying the CNMI needs leadership “focused on people, not political sides.”
He also addressed residency questions, citing the CNMI Constitution’s definition of domicile, which allows residents who leave for military service, education, medical care, or business to retain eligibility. Camacho said he has been registered to vote in the CNMI since 1989.
Grounded by the values instilled by his late grandfather, Gregorio Tudela Camacho, he said the campaign will focus on restoring opportunity for families and graduates.
