By Emmanuel T. Erediano
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
FORMER Rep. Joseph “Leepan” T. Guerrero on Thursday denied that he is running for Saipan mayor.
A copy of a nominating petition bearing his name circulated on social media and included Gov. David M. Apatang’s name and signature at the top of the list, followed by Precinct 2 Rep. Danny Aquino and other individuals.
But Guerrero, a Republican, said he is not a candidate for mayor.
The governor declined to comment. Rep. Joel Camacho, who announced his Independent candidacy for Saipan mayor in November, also declined to comment.
Saipan Mayor Ramon Blas “RB” Camacho, who supported the Palacios-Apatang gubernatorial ticket in 2022, is seeking reelection as an Independent.
In an interview Wednesday, Camacho said anyone is free to run for public office. He added that he believes he has accomplished a great deal for the community and wants voters to evaluate his performance in this year’s election.
In the 2022 Saipan mayoral race, Camacho defeated Guerrero and former Rep. Richard T. Lizama, a Democrat.
“I strongly believe the government exists to serve the people, and that is exactly what I’m doing — serving the people based on the Constitution,” Camacho said.
He added that serving as mayor involves addressing issues ranging from crime and public safety to economic development while fostering unity within the community. He said he believes he has helped bring Saipan residents together regardless of religion, ethnicity, or economic status.
Asked about the governor’s apparent support for Guerrero, Camacho said, “I’m not too sure why the governor is looking for an opponent to run against me. Is he not satisfied with my performance, or is there something else?”
He added that he respects the governor.
“He is the governor, no matter what. Even though he was not elected governor, let’s give him full respect as governor,” Camacho said.
Then-Lt. Gov. Apatang became governor in July 2025 following the death of Gov. Arnold I. Palacios. The two were elected as independents in 2022.
Whatever differences they may have, Camacho said, they are not personal.
“I grew up with discipline from my parents, who taught me to respect people older than me. I emphasize that to the younger generation today — respect your elders. There’s a law that says abuse of elders is a violation,” he said.
“I’m younger than the governor, so I give him my full respect,” he added.
Camacho previously lost to Apatang in the 2014 and 2018 Saipan mayoral elections.
With Bryan Manabat
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.
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.
