Republicans scored a decisive, historic political victory in Guam as Tony Ada won the territory’s November third gubernatorial election.
An unofficial tally showed Ada and running mate EJ Calvo winning, ending eight years of Democratic leadership.
Marianas Press reported the Republican ticket addressing supporters following its victory, marking a consequential change in territorial government.
The result remains unofficial until the Guam Election Commission completes its canvass and certifies the election.
Ada defeated Democratic gubernatorial nominee Therese Terlaje, who campaigned alongside lieutenant governor candidate Sabina Perez.
The outgoing governor, Democrat Lou Leon Guerrero, could not seek another term because of term limits.
Her administration governed Guam for two consecutive terms, making the Republican breakthrough particularly significant for the island’s political direction.
Ada and Calvo advanced through August’s Republican primary after defeating Frank Blas Junior and Mary Okada.
Their ticket received approximately 60.5% of Republican primary votes, demonstrating substantial support among participating party voters.
Terlaje and Perez narrowly defeated another Democratic ticket headed by Lieutenant Governor Joshua Tenorio during their primary.
Ada campaigned on a Guam First platform emphasizing responsiveness to residents and practical changes in territorial government.
Healthcare infrastructure became especially important as candidates debated the location and financing of Guam’s proposed replacement hospital.
The territory’s medical community favored Oka Point, while the outgoing administration pursued a site in Mangilao.
Ada also advocated eliminating federal Medicaid funding caps that limit Guam’s access to healthcare assistance.
Republicans can celebrate the gubernatorial outcome as evidence that voters were willing to change the territory’s leadership.
Guam is an American territory whose residents are United States citizens but cannot vote in presidential general elections.
Republican James Moylan also sought reelection as Guam’s congressional delegate during Tuesday’s territorial elections.
Voters simultaneously selected lawmakers for Guam’s 15-member legislature, where all seats are elected territorywide.
The legislature’s composition will influence Ada’s ability to advance budgets, healthcare priorities, and other policy proposals.
At least six legislative seats were guaranteed new occupants because their incumbents did not seek reelection.
Guam’s election also followed several destructive typhoons, making disaster preparedness and recovery pressing responsibilities for incoming officials.
For Ada and Calvo, the immediate challenge is translating electoral momentum into effective administration and legislative cooperation.
For Republicans, ending eight years of Democratic control represents a notable territorial gain during the national midterm elections.
When Republican Tony Ada takes office, he has already laid out an ambitious agenda for Guam’s economy, healthcare, education, public safety, and relationship with President Donald Trump’s federal government.
“Guam is where America’s day begins but also Guam is the tip of the spear for the defense of America and we need to make sure our homefront is secure in order to keep America secure,” Ada said.
“We strongly support America’s national security mission and Guam’s role in the Indo-Pacific,” Ada added.
Ada emphasized maintaining strong relationships with the federal government and military while protecting Guam’s security interests.
On the economy, Ada said, “You have to have that balance between the government and the private sector because GovGuam does not print money. The economy runs because of the private sector.”
Ada said his administration plans to strengthen law enforcement, expand drug prevention, improve screening, and coordinate with federal authorities.
His platform also calls for expanding addiction treatment and recovery services.
Ada’s campaign is also aiming to implement ways to reduce household expenses involving food, utilities, and transportation while expanding access to affordable housing.
The campaign also supports rental assistance and programs helping seniors, children, and family caregivers.
“Three diversification priorities are regional health care; trade, logistics, and local production anchored by Port modernization; and technology and digital services,” he said.
