Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castro has filed his letter of intent with the Commonwealth Election Commission, seeking voter approval to continue serving as the head of the CNMI Judiciary. Castro was last retained in 2018 and is required under the CNMI Constitution to stand for retention every 10 years.
Castro, appointed to the Supreme Court in 2012 and confirmed as the Commonwealth’s fourth Chief Justice that same year, said his tenure has been defined by unprecedented challenges and significant progress. He pointed to the Judiciary’s recovery after Super Typhoon Yutu, the temporary closure and remediation of the Guma’ Hustisia, and the rapid shift to remote operations during the COVID‑19 pandemic.
He highlighted modernization initiatives such as the eCourt filing system, electronic supervision tools for probation and drug court participants, and expanded electronic recording for land documents. Castro also emphasized new specialty programs, including the Mental Health Court Docket and Family Court night sessions, which he said improve access to justice for working families and individuals with mental health needs.
Castro’s judicial career spans more than four decades, including service as associate justice, presiding judge of the Superior Court, and associate jusge of the Trial Court. He also serves as a justice pro tem of the Guam Supreme Court and a non‑resident associate justice of the Palau Supreme Court. His regional work includes helping finalize the 2026 Bar Reciprocity Agreement between the CNMI and Guam.
Beyond the bench, Castro founded the Attorney General’s Cup Speech Competition and is admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court, Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and multiple Pacific jurisdictions. He is a graduate of the University of Papua New Guinea Faculty of Law and represented the school in the Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition.
Castro said he remains committed to judicial independence, equal access to justice, and strengthening public confidence in the courts as he seeks voter approval this November.
