By Bryan Manabat
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
SENATOR Manny Gregory Tenorio Castro has joined the CNMI Republican Party and endorsed the GOP gubernatorial ticket of former Gov. Ralph DLG Torres and former Kagman High School Principal Benjamin Jones Jr.
The announcement was made Saturday afternoon at the Capital Hill residence of former Department of Public Safety Deputy Commissioner Ambrosio Ogumoro.
Castro, who was elected senator as a Democrat in 2024, said the decision reflects his long-held conservative values and his family’s deep roots in the Republican Party.
“It wasn’t no secret in the beginning since I first ran,” Castro said. “I mentioned I’m more of a conservative.”
He noted that many of his relatives were among the early supporters and organizers of the GOP in the Commonwealth.
“My grandfather, Manuel Tenorio, was a Republican. His brother, Pete Tenorio, former lieutenant governor and delegate. A lot of my family are founding members of the GOP,” he said.
Castro also pointed to his family connection to Torres.
“Not a lot of people know that former Gov. Ralph DLG Torres is a first cousin. His mom is like first cousin to my grandpa, my late Grandpa Manny Brown,” he said.
While acknowledging that some supporters may be disappointed by his decision, Castro said his experience in the Legislature has shaped his political outlook.
“I just want to remind people, after being in the Legislature, you know, and when you look at social media, sometimes you think this person is good and that person is good. When you look into the details, you realize that the person you think is good is actually worse than you know,” he said. “Our government really needs to be overhauled. And we need to move it forward.”
Castro said he believes the Torres-Jones ticket is better positioned to rebuild the CNMI economy.
“I feel that former Gov. Torres and his running mate, Benjamin Jones Jr., they know how to bring in the money, they know how to build a workforce,” he said. “The difference is bringing in money versus knowing how to move it around. I would rather align with people that can bring in the money, and then we can also work on getting better people to know how to move it around and reinvest it.”
Castro said his endorsement is rooted in his confidence that the GOP ticket can produce results.
“I believe in both of them. I just believe that they can really make this happen,” he said. “There’s a lot of people that like to talk, but these individuals can make things happen.”
He also urged voters to look beyond social media narratives and take the time to learn more about candidates.
“The message I have for people is don’t believe everything on the surface. Look deeper into the issue. Meet with the individual. Find out and get to know people,” he said. “It’s easy to vilify people online. But once you get to know people…oftentimes you try to surround yourself with positive vibes, right? Because you can be a good governor, you can be a good person, you can be a good leader — but if you have people around you that are a bad influence, it is going to trickle down.”
Castro said the Republican Party’s platform aligns closely with his own views on economic policy.
“The decision was easy. It came natural,” he said. “I believe in a smaller government, and also, you know, a smaller government, bigger private sector equals a better economy.”
In a statement released Sunday, Castro said his upbringing exposed him to both major political parties and taught him to judge leaders by their principles rather than their party affiliation.
“My grandmother, Rosa Atalig Mundo Castro, was a proud Democrat. On my mother’s side, my grandfather Manuel Agulto Tenorio and my uncle Pete A. Tenorio helped build the CNMI Republican Party,” Castro said.
He said his years working at Northern Marianas College reinforced his belief that public service should focus on creating opportunities for families and improving lives.
Castro said serving in the Legislature strengthened his conviction that elected officials should think independently, work across political lines, and focus on results rather than partisan loyalty.
“Today, I believe more strongly than ever that government should empower people — not control them,” he said. “I believe a smaller, more efficient government paired with a stronger private sector creates opportunity. I believe entrepreneurs should be encouraged to take risks, businesses should be supported, and government should create the conditions for families to thrive.”
Castro said joining the Republican Party felt like a natural step because of those beliefs.
“This election is not about personalities. It is not about old political labels,” he said. “It is about one simple question: Who can create opportunities, grow our economy, and build a stronger CNMI for the next generation?”
He said family relationships did not factor into his political decision-making.
“I am related to many leaders and candidates across our Commonwealth. But as my Uncle Joe Castro, a retired DPS commissioner, often reminded me: When looking at a case, remove family ties and examine the facts,” Castro said.
“My commitment remains unchanged. The people of the CNMI elected me to work — to pass laws that improve lives, strengthen our economy, and leave a better Commonwealth for our children.
“Talk is easy. Leadership is action. And I intend to keep working.”
Emmanuel “Arnold” Erediano has a bachelor of science degree in Journalism. He started his career as police beat reporter. Loves to cook. Eats death threats for breakfast.
