By Emmanuel T. Erediano
emmanuel@mvariety.com
Variety News Staff
REPRESENTATIVE Joel Castro Camacho on Friday announced his candidacy for the Saipan mayoral race in 2026. The incumbent mayor is Ramon B. Camacho.
The four-consecutive-term Precinct 4 representative made his official announcement in the presence of his wife, Monica, children Isaiah and Isaac, campaign committee chairman Bruce Camacho, relatives, friends, and supporters at a family property in Tanapag.
Independent gubernatorial and lieutenant gubernatorial candidates Rep. Blas Jonathan Tenorio Attao and Speaker Edmund Sablan Villagomez, along with their other House colleagues — House Floor Leader Marissa Flores, Saipan and Northern Islands Legislative Delegation Chairman John Paul Sablan, Rep. Malcolm Omar, Rep. Angelo Camacho, Rep. Ralph N. Yumul, Rep. Vincent “Kobre” Aldan, and Rep. Elias Rangamar —also joined Rep. Camacho in expressing his desire to continue serving the people as the next mayor of Saipan.
“Go well with Joel” is his campaign slogan. His mission statement — a commitment “to foster a thriving, resilient, and united community” — and his “passion, dedication, and experience to drive meaningful progress on the island” highlighted the gathering that began at 6 p.m.
Rep. Camacho shared his vision to enhance economic opportunities, improve public services, and preserve the Commonwealth’s rich cultural heritage while ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for all.
“Together, we will build a Saipan we are proud to call home — one that uplifts every resident and paves the way for future generations,” he stated.
He thanked his campaign committee chairman, Bruce Camacho; his parents, Serafin A. and Lilian C. Camacho; his siblings Jonathan, Justin Jude, and Serafin Jr.; and his wife Monica and children Isaiah and Isaac for their continuous and unconditional support throughout the years.
Noting that Saipan “is home to all of us,” he said every decision he has made throughout his time in public service has always been rooted in one belief: “That our people deserve honest leadership that works for them, day in and day out, and leadership that puts the interest of the people first.”
Rep. Camacho has served the CNMI for the past seven years as a member of the House of Representatives. He expressed deep gratitude to the people of Precinct 4 for allowing him to serve them over the years, saying it has been a tremendous honor that inspired him to “spread the love and the work” he has done from Precinct 4 throughout Saipan.
“During my time as representative,” he said, “I have worked alongside my colleagues to secure investment in community spaces, support schools and retirees, enhance public safety, and pass policies that help the CNMI despite these trying times.”
“Service is more than just legislation and shaping policies,” he added. “Service means being present — being accessible, being responsible. And today, I am ready to serve in a way that is closer to the community. Today, I proudly announce that I am running for mayor of Saipan in the coming election.”
“It is not about politics,” he continued. “It is about our community — it is about rolling up our sleeves, getting to our villages, and getting things done.”
Rep. Attao congratulated Rep. Camacho for taking the step, saying he knew it was something Camacho had aspired to do for years. Attao said Rep. Camacho’s record shows how much he has improved Precinct 4.
“He has moved a lot of projects up here in the north — he’s made it more vibrant and brought something new for the community and our visitors, not just in Precinct 4 but for all of Saipan,” Attao said. “For visitors from all over the CNMI, Guam, Hawaii, Palau, Korea, and Japan, there’s something new he’s presented in his precinct. So for that, I congratulate him for making that decision,” he added, noting that he is also happy to be part of Rep. Camacho’s mayoral campaign team.
For his part, Speaker Villagomez said he was very proud that Rep. Camacho decided to run with them. Rep. Camacho, he said, worked well with him for the past seven years and has proven himself as a “boot on the ground” in the community, particularly in Precinct 4. “But he also opened his arms to help out other precincts when needed, especially when it comes to community work,” Villagomez added.
“So to have someone that values the community that much running with us is really flattering, and we are very honored,” Villagomez said.
Bruce Camacho, a military veteran who currently serves as a grant writer at the Office of Grants Management and State Clearinghouse, and who has chaired Joel Camacho’s campaign committee since 2018, described Friday’s event as “a movement of direction, a moment of unity, and a moment of hope for our home, the island of Saipan.”
He said he has seen Rep. Camacho “lead not from behind a desk alone, but on the ground in the villages where real leadership is needed. He listens before he acts, shows up when it matters, works when no one is watching, and has never forgotten where he came from.”
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.
