By Bryan Manabat
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Variety News Staff
LIEUTENANT Gov. Dennis James C. Mendiola said he will not seek elected office in 2026 but will continue serving through the end of his term while addressing the criminal case against him.
Mendiola announced his decision Monday, calling it one of the most difficult choices he has made in public life. He said the move is not due to any loss of commitment to the Commonwealth but reflects what he believes is the responsible course as he focuses on defending his character and innocence in Superior Court.
“This was not an easy decision for me,” he said.
According to a statement, Mendiola said he believes he has the leadership and experience to continue contributing to the CNMI but must prioritize his family, the people he serves and the integrity of the office. He emphasized that he remains firm in asserting his innocence and intends to address the case directly so the public can better understand “his character and the truth.”
He said he owes it to his family and the people of the CNMI to confront the matter directly.
On the same day he announced his decision not to run, Mendiola and co-defendant Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services Lt. Justin Paul Mizutani pleaded not guilty in Superior Court to a refiled 13-count misconduct-in-public-office case accusing them of misusing public funds to rent vehicles and illegally transport one of them to Rota.
Mendiola also said he stands by the decisions he has made while in office, describing them as actions taken in good faith for the benefit of the government and the community.
His announcement follows a series of high-profile decisions he made while serving as acting governor, including the firing of Office of Grants Management Administrator Epi Cabrera and Public Safety Commissioner Anthony Macaranas. After returning from Section 902 consultations in Washington, D.C., Gov. David M. Apatang reinstated both officials.
“Everything I have done has been with the intention of serving the best interests of our government and our people,” Mendiola said.
Despite stepping away from the 2026 election, Mendiola said he remains committed to fulfilling his constitutional responsibilities as lieutenant governor and continuing efforts to improve the lives of CNMI residents.
“This will not deter me from doing everything I can to help move the CNMI forward,” he said.
He thanked the people of the Commonwealth, his family, supporters and those who have kept him in their prayers during what he described as a difficult time.
Bryan Manabat was a liberal arts student of Northern Marianas College where he also studied criminal justice. He is the recipient of the NMI Humanities Award as an Outstanding Teacher (Non-Classroom) in 2013, and has worked for the CNMI Motheread/Fatheread Literacy Program as lead facilitator.
