Toribiong was a candidate for President of Palau during the November 2008 presidential election.[6] His running mate for Vice President was Kerai Mariur, a Delegate in the Palau National Congress.[6] Toribiong was opposed by Elias Camsek Chin, the outgoing Palauan Vice President.[6]
Toribiong led the early, unofficial vote tally with 1,629 votes to Chin's 1,499.[6] The lead ultimately held and Toribiong defeated Chin in the election.
Toribiong was sworn into office as President of Palau on January 15, 2009.[