Dennis C. Mendiola

Dennis James Camacho Mendiola (born March 2, 1980) is a Northern Mariana Islander politician. He is the 14th and current lieutenant governor of the Northern Mariana Islands. Prior to his elevation to the lieutenant governorship after the death of Arnold Palacios, he served as a Republican member for the 1st district of the Northern Mariana Islands Senate.

Early life and military career Dennis James Camacho Mendiola was born March 2, 1980 in Guam. He was raised by his grandparents in Rota. He attended high school in Rota and Guam before dropping out. He eventually earned his G.E.D. at Guam Community College in 2006. He medically retired in 2015 at the rank of captain after a battle with cancer.

Political career Mendiola served as the Commissioner of Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services. He was the campaign chairman for Victor Hocog in the 2018 general election. He ran again in the 2022 election winning a five-way race for two seats in the Senate. On January 8, 2025, it was announced that Mendiola would be elected to the position of President of the Senate for the 24th Commonwealth Legislature.

Mendiola was elevated to the position of lieutenant governor after David M. Apatang was elevated to governor after the death of Arnold Palacios. He announced that he would not be a candidate for public office in the 2026 general election in order to focus on an outstanding corruption allegation.

Political positions Mendiola endorsed the Donald Trump’s presidential campaign in the 2024 United States presidential election.