Elected: Gov. Palacios was elected as the 11th Governor of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in 2022.
Early Years: Gov. Palacio was born on August 22, 1955 in Saipan, Mariana Islands
Education: Mt. Carmel School; Portland State University for a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration/Management.
Career: Before begin elected as Governor, Palacios served Governor Palacios also served four terms in the House of Representatives and served as Speaker of the House of Representatives during the 16th Northern Marianas Commonwealth Legislature from January 2008 to January 2010. After that, he served as the Secretary of Lands and Natural Resources from February 2012 to January 2015. He also served as the Senate President during the 20th Northern Marianas Commonwealth Legislature from January 2017 to January 2019 and as Senate Vice President during the 19th Northern Marianas Commonwealth Legislature from January 2015 to January 2017.
Learn more on the Governor’s official website
Nickname: America's Best Kept Secret
Capital: Saipan
Population: 53,467
Size: The state covers 179 square miles
Economic drivers: Tourism, garment manufacturing
Did you know? Team sports popular in the U.S. were introduced to the islands by American soldiers during World War II. Baseball is the islands' most popular sport.
