Just one month ago, we were fortunate to spend time with him at WGA’s Annual Meeting in Santa Fe, New Mexico. His decision to travel such a long distance to join his fellow Western Governors and advocate for the people of the Northern Mariana Islands is a testament to his deep commitment to public service and to building bipartisan solutions.

On behalf of the Western Governors, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Governor Palacios’ family, his loved ones, and the people of the Northern Mariana Islands. His selfless leadership, quiet strength, and warm, compassionate smile will be deeply missed.

“Governor Palacios brought a steady, thoughtful voice to our work at the Western Governors’ Association, and I’m grateful for every opportunity we had to learn from him,” WGA’s Chair, Utah Governor Spencer Cox, said. “His principled service set a high bar for the rest of us. Utah joins the Northern Mariana Islands in mourning a remarkable leader and friend.”

“Jaime and I send our deepest condolences and warmest aloha to the family, friends, and constituents of Governor Arnold Palacios, of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), who passed suddenly on Guam while receiving emergency medical treatment,” WGA’s Vice Chair, Hawaii Governor Josh Green, wrote in a statement. “As an island Governor and longtime leader in government, he handled many of the same issues we deal with daily in Hawai‘i, including environmental conservation, stewardship of our natural resources, economic development, and federal and military relations. Well beyond welcoming the CNMI to FestPAC last year, our islands have been tied together for generations, and we share in our island neighbors’ grief.”

Before his inauguration as Governor in 2024, Arnold Palacios had a long and distinguished career in public service. He served four terms in the House of Representatives and was Speaker of the House during the 16th Northern Marianas Commonwealth Legislature (January 2008–January 2010). He later held the position of Secretary of Lands and Natural Resources from February 2012 to January 2015. Palacios then returned to the Legislature, serving as Senate Vice President during the 19th Legislature (2015–2017) and as Senate President during the 20th Legislature (2017–2019), before serving as Lieutenant Governor from 2019 to 2023.  

“From his early service in the Legislature to his time as Lieutenant Governor, Speaker of the House, President of the Senate, and ultimately as Governor, he was a tireless advocate for good governance, fiscal responsibility, environmental stewardship, cultural preservation, and the well-being of all who call the Marianas home,” Acting Governor David M. Apatang wrote in a statement. “He will be remembered as a unifier, a steady hand during times of challenge, and a leader who never wavered in his belief in the strength and resilience of the people he served.”