Diego Benavente

Diego Tenorio Benavente (April 21, 1959-November 20, 2025) was a Northern Mariana Islander politician who served as the sixth lieutenant governor of the Northern Mariana Islands from January 14, 2002 to January 9, 2006, under former Governor Juan Babauta.

Biography Diego Tenorio Benavente was born April 21, 1959. His uncle was Governor Pedro Pangelinan Tenorio. He graduated from Carmel High School in 1977. He then attended the College of Southern Idaho receiving an education in electrical engineering. Upon returning from Idaho, he started his own business. Benavente first ran for election in 1987, when he narrowly lost his bid for election to the Northern Mariana Islands House of Representatives in Precinct II by just six votes. However, Benavente was elected to the House in his second campaign in 1989.

Benavente announced his candidacy for Governor in the 2009 election on December 11, 2008.

Benavente was again elected to the CNMI House of Representatives in 2007.

Benavente was elected president of the CNMI Republican Party on August 28, 2023. He resigned the position effective November 20, 2024. Former Representative Ramon Angailen Tebuteb succeeded Benavente as the party's chairman.

Benavente died November 20, 2025 from acute leukemia his home in As Lito.