# Ralph Torres
> Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Ralph_Torres
> Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Ralph_Torres.md
> Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ralph_Torres
> Source revision: 1351281996
> License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/)
{{short description|Northern Marianan politician (born 1979)}}
{{Use American English|date=April 2026}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2026}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| name = Ralph Torres
| image = Governor Torres official portrait, high resolution.jpg
| caption = Torres in 2021
| order = 9th [Governor of the Northern Mariana Islands](/source/List_of_governors_of_the_Northern_Mariana_Islands)
| lieutenant = [Victor Hocog](/source/Victor_Hocog)
Arnold Palacios
| term_start = December 29, 2015
| term_end = January 9, 2023
| predecessor = [Eloy Inos](/source/Eloy_Inos)
| successor = [Arnold Palacios](/source/Arnold_Palacios)
| office1 = 10th [Lieutenant Governor of the Northern Mariana Islands](/source/Lieutenant_Governor_of_the_Northern_Mariana_Islands)
| governor1 = Eloy Inos
| term_start1 = January 11, 2015
| term_end1 = December 29, 2015
| predecessor1 = [Jude Hofschneider](/source/Jude_Hofschneider)
| successor1 = Victor Hocog
| office2 = [President of the Northern Mariana Islands Senate](/source/List_of_Presidents_of_the_Senate_of_the_Northern_Mariana_Islands)
| term_start2 = February 20, 2013
| term_end2 = January 12, 2015
| predecessor2 = Jude Hofschneider
| successor2 = Victor Hocog
| birth_name = Ralph Deleon Guerrero Torres
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1979|8|6}}
| birth_place = [Garapan](/source/Garapan), [Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands](/source/Trust_Territory_of_the_Pacific_Islands) (now [Northern Mariana Islands](/source/Northern_Mariana_Islands))
| death_date =
| death_place =
| party = [Republican](/source/Republican_Party_(Northern_Mariana_Islands))
| spouse = Diann Mendiola Tudela
| children = 6
| education = [Boise State University](/source/Boise_State_University) {{small|([BA](/source/Bachelor_of_Arts))}}
}}
'''Ralph Deleon Guerrero Torres''' (born August 6, 1979) is a Northern Marianan politician, who served as the ninth [governor of the Northern Mariana Islands](/source/governor_of_the_Northern_Mariana_Islands), from December 29, 2015, to January 9, 2023. He is a [Republican](/source/Republican_Party_(Northern_Mariana_Islands)) from [Saipan](/source/Saipan), [Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands](/source/Northern_Mariana_Islands) (CNMI). The third longest-serving governor in CNMI history, Torres took office upon the death of Governor [Eloy Inos](/source/Eloy_Inos) on December 29, 2015, before being reelected as governor in his own right in [2018](/source/2018_Northern_Mariana_Islands_gubernatorial_election). He previously served as the tenth [lieutenant governor](/source/Lieutenant_Governor_of_the_Northern_Mariana_Islands), having been elected to that post in [2014](/source/2014_Northern_Mariana_Islands_gubernatorial_election).[{{cite web|title=Commonwealth Election Commission - Election 2014 Results |url=http://www.votecnmi.gov.mp/election-2014/election-2014-results |access-date=3 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141130161053/http://www.votecnmi.gov.mp/election-2014/election-2014-results |archive-date=November 30, 2014 |url-status=unfit }}]
== Early life and education ==
Torres was born on August 6, 1979, to a [Chamorro](/source/Chamorro_people) family in [Garapan](/source/Garapan), then part of the [Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands](/source/Trust_Territory_of_the_Pacific_Islands). Torres's father was a government field officer and Commonwealth Utilities Corporation (CUC) dispatcher, while his mother was a teacher at William S. Reyes Elementary School. Growing up, Torres lived with his parents and five siblings in a one-story house in [Koblerville](/source/Koblerville) built by the family.[{{Cite web|date=2016-12-29|title=Gov. Ralph DLG Torres|url=https://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/gov-ralph-dlg-torres/|access-date=2021-11-28|website=Saipan Tribune|language=en-US}}]
Torres's family would later move to [Boise, Idaho](/source/Boise%2C_Idaho), where he would attend [Boise High School](/source/Boise_High_School), graduating in 1996. He received a B.S. in political science from [Boise State University](/source/Boise_State_University) in 2001.[{{cite news|title=Ralph DLG. Torres biography|access-date=October 15, 2015|work=Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Governor's Office|url=http://gov.mp/biographies-2/lt-governor/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160728014414/http://gov.mp/biographies-2/lt-governor/|archive-date=July 28, 2016|url-status=dead}}] In 2004, he began to work with his brothers at Torres Brothers, Attorneys at Law.
== Early political career ==
=== Commonwealth Legislature ===
[In 2007](/source/2007_Northern_Mariana_Islands_general_election), Torres won election to the [Northern Mariana Islands House of Representatives](/source/Northern_Mariana_Islands_House_of_Representatives) as the top vote getter in District 1. [In 2009](/source/2009_Northern_Mariana_Islands_general_election), he won election to the [Northern Mariana Islands Senate](/source/Northern_Mariana_Islands_Senate), acting in a variety of roles. From 2010 to 2015 he was chairman of the Health & Welfare Committee. In February 2013, he became the president of the Senate.[{{cite web|title=Commonwealth Election Commission - Election 2014 Results |url=http://www.votecnmi.gov.mp/election-2014/election-2014-results |access-date=3 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141130161053/http://www.votecnmi.gov.mp/election-2014/election-2014-results |archive-date=November 30, 2014 |url-status=unfit }}] and was sworn in on January 12, 2015.
== Governorship ==
=== Tenure and elections ===
Upon the death of incumbent governor Eloy Inos, Torres became the [governor of the Northern Mariana Islands](/source/governor_of_the_Northern_Mariana_Islands) on December 29, 2015.[{{cite web |title= Gov. Eloy Inos Passes Away |url= http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/breaking-news-gov-eloy-inos-passes-away/ |first= Mark |last= Rabago |date= 29 December 2015 |work= [Saipan Tribune](/source/Saipan_Tribune) |access-date= 29 December 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160101122320/http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/breaking-news-gov-eloy-inos-passes-away/ |archive-date= 1 January 2016 |url-status= live }}][{{cite web |url= http://www.pacificnewscenter.com/local/7239 |first= Thomas |last= Manglona |work= Pacific News Center |title= CNMI Governor Eloy Inos Dies |date= 29 December 2015 |access-date= 28 December 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160101125815/http://www.pacificnewscenter.com/local/7239 |archive-date= 1 January 2016 |url-status= dead }}] In accordance with the [constitution](/source/Constitution_of_the_Northern_Mariana_Islands), the Senate president, [Victor Hocog](/source/Victor_Hocog), became lieutenant governor.[[http://www.mvariety.com/cnmi/cnmi-news/local/82659-update-ralph-torres-victor-hocog-will-be-sworn-in-at-3-p-m-tuesday-at-the-multi-purpose-center New governor, lt. governor sworn in] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151229213824/http://www.mvariety.com/cnmi/cnmi-news/local/82659-update-ralph-torres-victor-hocog-will-be-sworn-in-at-3-p-m-tuesday-at-the-multi-purpose-center |date=2015-12-29 }} Marianas Variety December 29, 2015] In the [2018 gubernatorial election](/source/2018_Northern_Mariana_Islands_gubernatorial_election), Torres and his running mate [Arnold Palacios](/source/Arnold_Palacios) won a full term, defeating former governor [Juan Babauta](/source/Juan_Babauta) and Rita Sablan ticket.
As governor, Torres approved a bill, public law 19-42, that adds a $1,000 [excise tax](/source/excise_tax) on pistol purchases, this is the highest tax on pistols sales in the US.[{{cite web | last1=Kartch | first1=John | title=$1,000 Gun Tax Pushed as 'Role Model' for States | url=http://www.atr.org/1000-gun-tax-pushed-role-model-states | date=April 18, 2016 | publisher=[Americans for Tax Reform](/source/Americans_for_Tax_Reform) | access-date=January 7, 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161227124944/http://www.atr.org/1000-gun-tax-pushed-role-model-states | archive-date=December 27, 2016 | url-status=live }}] However, this excessive tax was later ruled as unconstitutional according to the United States Constitution and overturned by the [United States District Court](/source/District_Court_for_the_Northern_Mariana_Islands).[{{cite news | last=Dumat-ol Daleno |first= Gaynor| url=https://www.guampdn.com/story/news/2016/10/02/federal-judge-shoots-down-cnmi-gun-restrictions/91311216/|title=Federal judge shoots down CNMI gun restrictions | work=[Pacific Daily News](/source/Pacific_Daily_News)|access-date=November 21, 2019}}]
On September 21, 2018, Torres signed into law the [Taulamwaar Sensible CNMI Cannabis Act](/source/CNMI_Cannabis_Act_of_2018), stating: "Today, our people made history. We took a stand to legalize marijuana in the CNMI for recreational, medical, and commercial use."[{{cite news |last1=Angell |first1=Tom |title=Governor Signs Marijuana Legalization Bill, Making History In US Territory |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/tomangell/2018/09/21/governor-signs-marijuana-legalization-bill-making-history-in-us-territory/ |access-date=June 4, 2021 |work=Forbes |date=September 21, 2018}}]
Torres announced his intention to run for reelection in the [2022 gubernatorial election](/source/2022_Northern_Mariana_Islands_gubernatorial_election) with [territorial senator](/source/Northern_Mariana_Islands_Senate) [Vinnie Sablan](/source/Vinnie_Sablan) as his running-mate.[{{Cite web|first=Emmanuel T.|last=Erediano|title=CNMI Gov. Torres to seek reelection|url=https://www.postguam.com/news/cnmi/cnmi-gov-torres-to-seek-reelection/article_bd1a9aaa-e78b-11eb-aa6e-d7ac68c360ca.html|access-date=2021-11-28|website=The Guam Daily Post|date=19 July 2021 |language=en}}] He lost to his incumbent lieutenant governor [Arnold Palacios](/source/Arnold_Palacios) while under indictment.
==== Controversies ====
Torres and his wife, First Lady Diann Torres, were criticized for costing the government $24,297 on a trip to [Montana](/source/Montana). The trip, conducted from June 23 to July 2, 2017, involved stops in both [Oregon](/source/Oregon) and [Idaho](/source/Idaho).[{{Cite web|date=2021-07-07|title='Torreses' travel to Montana cost govt $24,297'|url=https://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/torreses-travel-to-montana-cost-govt-24297/|access-date=2021-11-28|website=Saipan Tribune|language=en-US}}] In February 2018, ''[Bloomberg Businessweek](/source/Bloomberg_Businessweek)'' reported that Torres and his family have received millions of dollars in payments from [Hong Kong](/source/Hong_Kong)-based [Imperial Pacific](/source/Imperial_Pacific) casino.[{{cite news|last=Campbell|first=Matthew|date=February 15, 2018|title=A Chinese Casino Has Conquered a Piece of America|work=[Bloomberg Businessweek](/source/Bloomberg_Businessweek)|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2018-02-15/a-chinese-company-has-conquered-a-piece-of-america|url-status=live|access-date=March 15, 2018|archive-url=https://archive.today/20180216203807/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2018-02-15/a-chinese-company-has-conquered-a-piece-of-america|archive-date=February 16, 2018}}]
thumb|Alternate portrait of Torres
On November 7, 2019, the [FBI](/source/Federal_Bureau_of_Investigation) executed a search and seizure warrant to raid Torres's office, home, and car as well as his brothers' law firm and various other businesses across Saipan for evidence of wire fraud, schemes to defraud, conspiracy, money laundering, and illegal campaign contributions.[{{cite web|date=14 November 2019|title=Feds seek evidence of wire fraud, money laundering investigation in CNMI|url=https://www.postguam.com/news/local/feds-seek-evidence-of-wire-fraud-money-laundering-investigation-in/article_3ed83cae-0693-11ea-853d-9fa7e337c95c.html|access-date=14 November 2019|work=[The Guam Daily Post](/source/The_Guam_Daily_Post)}}]
In November 2019, the [Northern Mariana Islands House of Representatives](/source/Northern_Mariana_Islands_House_of_Representatives) called for the [impeachment](/source/Impeachment_in_the_United_States) of Torres amid an ongoing investigation by the [FBI](/source/Federal_Bureau_of_Investigation) into his businesses.[{{cite web|title=Call for impeachment of CNMI governor|url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/403640/call-for-impeachment-of-cnmi-governor|date=19 November 2019|access-date=19 November 2019|work=[Radio New Zealand](/source/Radio_New_Zealand)|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191119061301/https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/403640/call-for-impeachment-of-cnmi-governor|archive-date=19 November 2019|url-status=live}}] Torres faced further impeachment backlash with growing evidence of the misuse of local funds that violated CNMI procurement laws.[{{cite web|title=Some CNMI lawmakers seek investigation of governor's alleged corruption, fraud|url=https://www.guampdn.com/story/news/local/2019/12/11/cnmi-lawmakers-seek-investigation-governors-alleged-corruption/4391916002/|date=12 December 2019|access-date=12 December 2019|work=[Pacific Daily News](/source/Pacific_Daily_News)}}][{{cite web|title=Minority Bloc to Speaker:Investigate the Governor|url=https://www.postguam.com/news/cnmi/minority-bloc-to-speaker-investigate-the-governor/article_3da103ea-1bd6-11ea-91de-27888897ec13.html|date=12 December 2019 |access-date=12 December 2019|work=[The Guam Daily Post](/source/The_Guam_Daily_Post)}}]
On 11 January 2022, Ralph Torres became the second governor to have been impeached in the CNMI's history. [{{Cite web|url=https://www.civilbeat.org/beat/cnmi-house-votes-to-impeach-governor-torres/|title=CNMI House Votes to Impeach Governor Torres|date=11 January 2022 }}]
In May 2022, Torres was acquitted of all charges by the Senate in his [impeachment trial](/source/impeachment_trial).[{{cite web|url=https://islandsbusiness.com/news-break/cnmi-governor-ralph-torres-acquitted-by-senate/|access-date=2022-10-14|date=2022-05-19|title=CNMI Governor Ralph Torres acquitted by Senate|publisher=Islands Business}}]
Torres was indicted for misconduct in public office in April 2022. His trial was originally set for July 5, 2022,[{{Cite news |last=Manabat |first=Bryan |date=2022-06-13 |title=AG's office says it will provide evidence against governor |url=https://www.mvariety.com/news/ag-s-office-says-it-will-provide-evidence-against-governor/article_d2293e08-ea4e-11ec-94c4-b7f518985a0c.html |access-date=2022-11-16 |work=Marianas Variety News & Views |location=Garapan, Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands}}] but was delayed.[{{Cite web |last=Manabat |first=Bryan |date=2024-07-12 |title=Ex-governor’s contempt trial starts on Nov. 12 |url=https://www.mvariety.com/news/local/ex-governor-s-contempt-trial-starts-on-nov-12/article_e0185520-3f7a-11ef-81be-4f0e140bc27f.html |access-date=2025-07-29 |website=Marianas Variety News & Views |language=en}}]
==== National politics ====
On March 11, 2016, Torres endorsed frontrunner [Donald Trump](/source/Donald_Trump) in the [2016 Republican presidential primary](/source/2016_Republican_Party_presidential_primaries).[{{Cite web|last=Cheney|first=Kyle|title=Trump gains an edge in Northern Marianas|url=https://www.politico.com/story/2016/03/donald-trump-northern-marianas-220653|access-date=2021-11-28|website=POLITICO|date=11 March 2016 |language=en}}] Torres reiterated his support for Trump in the [general election](/source/2016_United_States_presidential_election) following the [Access Hollywood controversy](/source/Access_Hollywood_controversy).[{{Cite web|first=Cherrie Anne E.|last=Villahermosa|title=Torres 'not happy' with Trump, but still supports candidacy|url=https://www.postguam.com/news/cnmi/torres-not-happy-with-trump-but-still-supports-candidacy/article_54f23716-8f8a-11e6-856e-4bc2faf6f6d5.html|access-date=2021-11-28|website=The Guam Daily Post|date=12 October 2016 |language=en}}]
Following the victory of Democrat [Joe Biden](/source/Joe_Biden) in the [2020 presidential election](/source/2020_United_States_presidential_election), Torres congratulated the president-elect, while also praising Trump for his "commitment and support for the people of the Northern Mariana Islands". He added that the outgoing president "delivered time and time again for our people" through measures such as NMI U.S. Workforce Act of 2018, and praised Trump's response to the [Super Typhoon Yutu](/source/Typhoon_Yutu).
== Personal life ==
Torres has six children with his wife, the former Diann Mendiola Tudela: Ralph Anthony, Vaniqa Marie, Deon Titus, Tristan Dane, Divannie and Ryan.