Northern Mariana Islands
Gov. David M. Apatang
- July 24, 2025 - Current
- Republican
- July 10, 1948
- Guam
- In Office
About
The Honorable David M. Apatang is the 11th Governor of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, serving alongside Lt. Governor Dennis Mendiola since July 2025.
He previously served as the 13th Lt. Governor of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, serving alongside Governor Arnold I. Palacios from January 2023 – July 2025.
Prior to his time as Lt. Governor, he served as the Mayor of Saipan from January 2015 to January 2023. He served three terms in the Northern Marianas Commonwealth Legislature from January 1999 to January 2011 and served as a member of the Saipan, Northern Islands Municipal Council of the Northern Marianas Commonwealth from January 1997 to January 1999.
Governor Apatang also served as the Chief of Procurement and Supply, as well as the acting Director of Finance and Accounting with the Department of Finance from June 1987 to January 1996. He also served as the State Director of the U.S. Selective Service System from 1990 to 1996.
Prior to his career as a public servant with the CNMI, Governor Apatang retired from the United States Army as a First Sergeant after a 20-year career as recruiter, platoon sergeant, operations officer, station commander, drill sergeant, and Equal Opportunity NCO.
Born on July 10, 1948, Governor Apatang was born on Guam and attended George Washington High School. He and his wife, Antonia Pangelinan Mafnas Apatang, who passed away in 2016, were blessed with five children: Elaine, Kimberly, Victoria, Deyna, and David John, and 15 grandchildren: David Peter, John Anthony, Justin, Jackie, Kevin, Kelly, John David, Donovan, Devon, Alaina, Andrew, Lana, Kyu, David, and Charles.