By Emmanuel T. Erediano
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Variety News Staff
FORMER Gov. Ralph DLG Torres has chosen Kagman High School Principal Benjamin M. Jones Jr. as his running mate.
The two will run as Republicans against the independent gubernatorial tandem of Rep. Blas Jonathan T. Attao and his running mate, Speaker Edmund S. Villagomez.
Jones confirmed to Variety last Friday that he intends to accept Torres’ offer to run for lieutenant governor in this year’s general election.
On Monday, Jones and Torres submitted a joint letter to NMI Republican Party President Patrick Cepeda expressing their intent to run on the GOP ticket.
They told Cepeda that, after careful reflection and consultation with their families, supporters, and members of the community, they believe this is a critical time for experienced leadership to help guide the Commonwealth forward.
“Our islands face serious economic challenges, rising costs, and growing concerns about the stability of our schools and opportunities for our families,” Torres and Jones said.
They said their team is committed to restoring economic stability, strengthening tourism and partnerships with the United States, supporting educators, and working toward restoring a full five-day school week so students receive consistent, innovative, and high-quality education.
They also said they believe economic recovery and a strong education system are essential to supporting families, rebuilding the CNMI workforce, protecting retirees, and securing the long-term future of the Commonwealth.
Together, they said, they bring a balanced team of executive leadership and educational experience. Torres brings executive leadership and established ties that can help guide economic recovery, while Jones, a respected educator, brings a lifelong commitment to strengthening schools, protecting children, and serving the community.
Torres was governor from Dec. 2015 to Jan. 2023. He lost to his then-lt. governor, Arnold I. Palacios, in the 2022 gubernatorial runoff.
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.
