2024 Election profiles and legislative performance breakdown

BY PAULY SUBA
Journal Staff

As Guam heads into the 2024 general election, voters are faced with a crucial decision. To give our readers a snapshot of the candidates on the ballot, the Journal reached out and compiled profiles of the two congressional and 25 senatorial candidates, providing insights into their education and employment backgrounds.

Additionally, the journal presents a breakdown of the 37th Guam Legislature, providing the number of bills and resolutions introduced by each senator and the number of laws enacted. Resolutions cover topics such as recognition, commendation, celebrations, and petitions. This data is compared with the same data of the past five legislatures, offering a broader context of legislative activity.

On the congressional front, the Journal has tracked the number of bills and resolutions introduced by Guam’s delegate to the U.S. Congress, comparing each term since 2013 with the current term of Congressman James C. Moylan. This includes a tally of how many bills signed into law by the U.S. President during each term.

Non-voting Delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives candidate profiles:

Name on the ballot: CRUZ, Ginger
Political Party affiliation: Democrat
Profile: Ginger Cruz, 59, is a Dededo native with an extensive background in federal service, policy advocacy, and business. According to her bio, she was raised in Liguan Terrace, and began her career in Guam’s media, later serving under Governors Joseph F. Ada and Carl T.C. Gutierrez. She holds degrees in Public Policy from the University of Pennsylvania and Johns Hopkins University.

Cruz’s career took her to Washington, D.C., where she held key roles at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and oversaw reconstruction efforts in Iraq, where she was a civilian two-star general equivalent. During this time, she reported to the Secretaries of the departments of State and Defense and multiple Congressional committees.

Cruz returned to Guam in 2019 and is now an adjunct professor of Foreign Policy at the University of Guam. She is also a small business owner and a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. Her advocacy efforts include hardening Guam’s power system and developing a sea drone industry.

Website and social media links:
gingercruz.com
Facebook: gingerguam
Instagram: @gingercruz
Youtube: @gingerguam2024
Linkedin: gingercruz

Name on the ballot: MOYLAN, James C.
Party affiliation: Republican
Profile: James “Jim” Camacho Moylan, 62 is a graduate of John F. Kennedy High School and the University of Guam with a degree in Criminal Justice. Moylan is a resident of Tumon and currently serves as the island’s delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives. Born to Maria Camacho Moylan and John Francis Moylan, his background in public service is as a senator in the 35th and 36th Guam Legislatures, a U.S. Army veteran, and a parole officer at the Guam Department of Corrections.

Moylan became the first Republican in nearly 30 years to win the delegate seat in Guam in 2022. With more than two decades of experience in the private sector, including roles in healthcare, financial services, and insurance, Moylan said he offers a “well-rounded perspective to his role as a leader.”

Website and social media links:
jamesmoylan.com
Facebook: James Moylan for Congress
Instagram: @repjamesmoylan



Senatorial candidate profiles:

Name on the ballot: ADA, Vicente Anthony Borja
Political Party affiliation: Republican
Profile: Vicente Anthony Ada, known to many as “Tony,” is a son of a local businessman and former Guam senator. Ada says his upbringing “influenced him to continue his family’s legacy of service.” His public service journey began as an active-duty U.S. Army member, followed by over 16 years as a private businessman before entering government work.

First elected in a special election to fill a vacated seat in the 30th Guam Legislature, Ada has served five terms in the Legislature. As a senator, he authored multiple laws focused on “economic development, open government, education, public safety, and public health.” Ada said his legislative efforts continue to prioritize the “quality of life of the people of Guam.”

Ada’s Republican colleagues recognized his leadership, selecting him as Minority Whip in the 31st Guam Legislature and Minority Leader in the 32nd and 33rd Guam Legislatures. He also ran as a candidate for lieutenant governor twice, first with former Lt. Gov. Ray Tenorio, and again with former governor, Felix P. Camacho.

Website and social media links:
tonyadaforguam.com
Email: vanthonyada@gmail.com 
Facebook: Tony Ada for Guam

Name on the ballot: BARNETT, Darrel Christopher
Party affiliation: Democrat
Profile: Chris Barnett, a freshman senator, known by his nickname "Malafunkshun," Barnett chairs both the Committee on Public Safety, Education and the Arts, and the Committee on Rules.

 As a product of the public-school system and a GDOE parent, Barnett said he prioritizes health and safety in schools. "Almost every single public school has been able to meet public health safety and sanitation requirements and pass inspection despite decades of neglect," he said, emphasizing the dedication and work of families and stakeholders.

Barnett also introduced legislation mandating that police officers wear body cameras, which he says increases accountability and transparency. His legislative achievements include tougher penalties for meth and fentanyl dealers and the passage of Jessica’s Law, which enforces longer sentences for pedophiles.

Website and social media links:
Facebook: Chris Malafunkshun Barnett
Instagram: @malafunkshun
X: malafunkshun

Name on the ballot: BLAS, Frank Flores, Jr.
Party affiliation: Republican
Profile: Sen. Frank Flores Blas Jr., 62, began his public service career as an officer with the Guam Police Department, where he served for 13 years in various roles, including detective, intelligence officer, and DEA task force supervisor. In 1997, he transitioned into business, helping more than 100 companies establish drug-free workforce programs, also serving as an adjunct professor with the Guam Community College criminal justice program.

Blas served as the Guam Homeland Security Advisor from 2002 to 2006, where he played a pivotal role in developing the Guam Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan and organizing one of the largest U.S. Department of Homeland Security terrorism exercises on the island. He also authored Guam’s nationally recognized SARS response plan.

Blas has served in multiple Guam Legislatures and emphasizes "community-centric and business growth" initiatives, while being critical of government spending.

Outside of politics, Blas is a licensed insurance broker and president of his own firm. His community involvement includes roles such as former president/CEO of the Make-a-Wish Foundation of Guam and co-organizer of the Feed-the-Need Pandemic Food Drive.

Website and social media links:
frankblasjr.com
Facebook: Frank Blas Jr
Instagram: @frankblas_jr

Name on the ballot: BORJA, Vincent A.V.
Party affiliation: Republican
Profile: Vince Borja holds a master’s in business administration from Grand Canyon University and a bachelor’s in business administration from the University of Guam. He is also a doctoral candidate in business administration at Northcentral University. Borja is a small business owner and teacher at Bishop Baumgartner Memorial School and Notre Dame High School. His service as a U.S. Army staff sergeant included multiple tours in Iraq.

Borja’s professional experience include roles as an educator, a director at Prime Digital Marketing, and leadership positions with community organizations like the Knights of Columbus and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2917.

Borja volunteers with veteran nonprofits, the Lions Club, and coaches’ youth sports. He said, “I understand the struggles many Guamanians face today, including poverty, crime, and the impact of substance abuse,” Borja said he draws from personal challenges he overcame in his youth.

Website and social media links:
vinceborja.com
Facebook: Vince Borja for Senator
Instagram: @vinceborja.gu
Linkedin: VinceBorja
X: @borjavince

Name on the ballot: BROWN, Joanne M.
Party affiliation: Republican
Profile: Joanne Brown, 58, holds a master’s in political science from the University of Hawaii at Manoa and was the valedictorian of her 1987 class at the University of Guam. She has held numerous leadership positions, including general manager of the Port Authority of Guam and director of the Department of Public Works.

Brown has served six terms in the Legislature, including a role as vice speaker. According to her bio, Brown said, “I have spent my entire government service fighting corruption and weeding it out from the root.” She said, “Corruption enables criminals to manipulate the system and evade justice.”

Brown said that one of her key initiatives, Bill 30-37, sought to prevent government employees convicted of official misconduct from being rehired, but it was vetoed by the governor. Brown said she pledges to continue advocating for transparency, saying, “I have championed laws that promote government transparency… and restore your trust in the Government of Guam.”

Website and social media links:
Facebook: Joanne Brown for Senator

Name on the ballot: CALVO, Shelly
Party affiliation: Republican
Profile: Shelly V. Calvo has 34 years of business and professional experience in Guam, the Philippines, and California. She worked in multinational companies in Silicon Valley in Northern California.

Prior to campaigning for her republican senatorial bid, Calvo focused her time and efforts in her water concession and water pipe manufacturing business. She provides water to municipalities and helps underserved communities obtain access to clean water.

She was a columnist for a combined 17 years in local newspapers and magazines. Her most notable column is the Dining Diva, which ran for eight years offering original recipes, inspirational thoughts, and stories of wisdom. She was also the island’s wholesaler for Cebu Pacific.

Calvo was the chairwoman for the Guam Homeless Coalition and was a board adviser for Salvation Army. She was a board director of the Guam Visitor’s Bureau and Hagåtña Restoration and Redevelopment Authority.

She is one of the founding officers for nonprofits such as TeamCore for Veterans, Artspace Guahan for arts, and Hagu Foundation for mental and emotional wellness. She currently holds cabinet positions for Lions International Club.

Calvo has been a recipient of multiple recognitions and awards, including legislative and congressional. She was also nominated for the position of U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines in 2020.

Website and social media links:
shellycalvo.com
Facebook: Shelly Calvo for Senator
Instagram: @shellycalvoforsenator

Name on the ballot: CRISOSTOMO, David Walter
Party affiliation: Democrat
Profile: David W. Crisostomo is a native CHamoru and resident of Ipan-Talo’fo’fo. He graduated from George Washington Senior High School in 1979 and went on to serve in the U.S. Navy for more than a decade, achieving the rank of Petty Officer First Class. During his service, he completed six deployments and earned numerous awards, including three Battle Efficiency Awards. Reflecting on his military experience, he said, “I always applied leadership skills, thinking and analyzing issues with common sense.”

After his Navy tenure, Crisostomo pursued studies in manufacturing engineering and built a career in real estate and sales management in California. Today, he is the owner of Marianas Irrigation and Landscape, where he applies his “military, civilian, and educational experience” to run his business successfully.

Crisostomo also played little-league and big-league baseball for the Talo’fo’fo Rangers.
 
Website and social media links:
Facebook: David Walter Crisostomo
Instagram: chamorro_golf_sd

Name on the ballot: DUENAS, Christopher M.
Party affiliation: Republican
Profile: Christopher M. Dueñas, 58, is a graduate of John F. Kennedy High School, Dueñas pursued maritime studies, earning certifications as a 100-Ton Master License holder and an Atlantis V Submarine Pilot. 

His leadership also extends to youth development, having served as director of the Department of Youth Affairs from 2003 to 2009.

Currently serving in the 37th Guam Legislature, Dueñas has held a variety of key roles, including director of the Guam Housing Corp. and the Department of Land Management.

According to his bio, during his time as a senator, Dueñas said, “I fought for the interests of our people… and remains steadfast in my conservative values.” Whether managing properties or steering legislation, he said his track record spans decades of public and private sector experience.

Website and social media links:
Facebook: Senator Chris Duenas
Intagram: @senatorduenas

Name on the ballot: DUENAS, David Ralph
Political Party affiliation: Democrat
Profile: David R. Duenas, 66, known as "Dave” was born in Salina, Kansas, in 1958 and is a U.S. Air Force veteran.

Duenas’ career includes roles as a public information officer with the Government of Guam’s Coastal Management Program and as a radio announcer on various Guam stations, including Hit Radio 100, K Stereo, I-94 FM, and News Talk K-57. He has also been an independent TV producer and a former senatorial candidate.

Duenas served on the board of directors for the Guam Environmental Protection Agency and as a trustee for Guam Public Television. He coordinated Guam’s International Coastal Cleanup from 1995 to 2004 and has been a Master of Ceremony for numerous local events, such as the First Lady’s Halloween Carnival and fundraisers for the Ronald McDonald House.

Website and social media links:
Instagram: @daveduenas2024
TikTok: senator.4.671.dave
YouTube: Dave Duenas senator496912

Name on the ballot: FISHER, Thomas Joseph
Party affiliation: Republican
Profile: Thomas J. Fisher, 64, is a Republican senator in the 37th Guam Legislature with more than three decades of legal experience. Raised in Kentucky and born in California, Fisher has called Guam home for the past 31 years. He holds a juris doctorate from the University of Kentucky and is a graduate of the Naval Justice School.

Fisher’s career began as a judge advocate general for the U.S. Navy, serving both in Guam and Hawaii. He later worked in the Office of the Attorney General of Guam, where he prosecuted serious violent crimes, rising to first assistant to the chief prosecutor. After leaving the AG’s office, Fisher entered private practice, representing the indigent, the accused, and the elderly.

Fisher is also a former Peace Corps volunteer and has taught in the Northern Mariana Islands. He said he is most proud of receiving “a commission as a Naval officer from the president of the United States” and for “providing assistance to the elderly.”

Website and social media links:
Facebook: Senator Fisher
Instagram: @senatorfisher

Name on the ballot: GAZA, Victor A.
Party affiliation: Republican
Profile: Vic Gaza, a class of 1986 graduate of Father Duenas Memorial School, holds a bachelor’s of arts in communications and business management from the University of Hawaii, Manoa.

Gaza said he is committed to reducing the business privilege tax to 4%, aiming to “ease the burden on businesses, reduce the cost of goods for consumers, and stimulate economic growth.” He also identified Guam's drug crisis as a top priority, calling it “a state of emergency that needs proper attention, planning, and dedication.”

Highlighting tourism as “Guam’s number one economic resource,” Gaza supports efforts to upgrade the island as a “first-class destination” through improved infrastructure and expanded flight options from Asian markets.

With more than 25 years of experience in both the public and private sectors, including work for multiple senators and leadership roles in top management, Gaza said, “I will use my personal and professional experience to do everything I can to improve our quality of life.”

Website and social media links:
Facebook: Victor Gaza
Instagram: @gazavictor

Name on the ballot: GUMATAOTAO, Eulogio Shawn
Political Party affiliation: Republican
Profile: Shawn Gumataotao, 53, has experience in public policy, management, and strategic communications. As the managing partner of GET LLC, Gumataotao provides consulting and specialty construction materials to government and private sector clients across Micronesia. He has also served as director of Policy, Planning, and Community Relations at the Judiciary of Guam and as deputy chief of staff to former Governor Felix P. Camacho.

Gumataotao's career spans multiple sectors, including media, education, and homeland security. He worked for more than a decade in broadcast journalism as a reporter and anchor and is currently an adjunct instructor at the University of Guam. His expertise in crisis communications has been sought by organizations like the Guam National Guard and Naval Facilities Engineering and Systems Command.

A graduate of California State University, Bakersfield, with a degree in psychology, Gumataotao is also a community leader, serving as chairman of the Republican Party of Guam and holding various roles in local sports and civic organizations.

Website and social media links:
shawngumataotao.com
Facebook: ParaItaotao
Instagram: @paraitaotao
X: @ShawnGumataotao

Name on the ballot: Lujan, Jesse Anderson
Party affiliation: Republican
Profile: Jesse Lujan, born on Guam on September 27, 1955, is a seasoned leader who brings decades of experience across public service and private enterprise. A proud graduate of John F. Kennedy High School, he pursued higher education at San Diego State University, launching a career as an IFBB competitive bodybuilder and businessman in California. Returning to Guam in 1991, Lujan made a powerful impact as Health & Fitness Coordinator at the Department of Parks & Recreation and later as deputy director at the Guam Health Planning and Development Agency. He transitioned into the private sector as Operations Director of Tarza Magical Adventure Zone.

Lujan's political career began in 2002 when he secured a seat in the 27th Guam Legislature as a Republican and was reelected in 2004 and 2006. He played a pivotal role in advancing Guam’s Open Skies initiative and advocating for vital infrastructure upgrades. Most recently, he passed Resolution 447-37, driving competition in Guam’s air and cargo industries to lower costs and create better jobs.

A former host of "The Buzz" on KUAM-TV and radio, Jesse returned to the Legislature in 2022, and now seeks your vote for reelection in the 38th Guam Legislature to continue serving the people of Guam.

Website and social media links:
Facebook: Senator Jesse Lujan

Name on the ballot: MATANANE, Sabrina Salas
Party affiliation: Republican
Profile: Sabrina Salas Matanane, 53, is a Guam native, who began her career in journalism after earning a bachelor of arts in Electronic Journalism from the University of Oklahoma in 1994. Her early reporting at KWTV in Oklahoma included coverage of significant events like the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing.

Returning to Guam in 1996, she joined Guam Cable News before moving to KUAM, where she spent 24 years. At KUAM, she progressed from reporter to managing director, playing a pivotal role in transforming the station into a digital media leader. Her leadership earned her nine Edward R. Murrow Awards and recognition as "Journalist of the Year" by the Micronesia Society of Professional Journalists.

 Matanane has also contributed to her community through public service, producing charity events and serving as a board member for the Guam Chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction and the Guam Spirit Lions Club. Since 2022, she has worked as a business development manager for a local construction firm. She also ran for lieutenant governor as part of the gubernatorial team with former delegate to Congress Michael F.Q. San Nicholas.

Website and social media links:
Facebook: Sabrina for Senator
Instagram: @sabrinasalasmatanane
Tik Tok: Sabrina for Senator
YouTube: Sabrina for Senator

Name on the ballot: MENDIOLA, Bistra Ivanova
Party affiliation: Republican
Profile: Bistra Mendiola is a Chalan Pago resident, mother, wife, and lifelong entrepreneur. Originally from Bulgaria, Mendiola began her career in hospitality and tourism at 16 and studied law for three years before relocating to Guam in 1999. Since then, she has worked in retail and tourism and, in 2017 opened her first retail store with her husband. They now operate three vape stores across the island.

Mendiola said she knows the challenges of living paycheck to paycheck and the difficulties of adapting to a new culture and language as a young immigrant. She said she takes pride in overcoming these obstacles. “I achieved my goal of starting and growing a small business on Guam.” Her goals as a senator include reducing government regulations to promote economic growth, supporting local agriculture, and easing the cost of living. Mendiola said she is enthusiastic about “improving the standard of living and the economic climate in Guam” and envisions the island becoming the “breadbasket of Micronesia.”

Website and social media links:
bistraforguam.com
Facebook: BistraforGuam
Instagram: bistramendiolaguam

Name on the ballot: MUÑA BARNES, Tina Rose
Party affiliation: Democrat
Profile: Tina Rose Muña Barnes graduated from Academy of Our Lady of Guam in 1980, and attended Guam Community College, where she took enrichment courses. With more than 42 years in the Government of Guam, she is running for another term in the Legislature.

With nine terms as a senator, she said her platform is shaped by the values of faith, family, and a commitment to helping people. Starting her career at the Guam Public Defender’s Office, Muña Barnes found her passion for advocacy early on, witnessing the challenges faced by the island’s most vulnerable. She said, “I saw firsthand the consequences of a community that surrenders its most vulnerable citizens to drugs, crime, and economic stagnation.” Muña Barnes said this is why she has been an outspoken advocate for programs that expand the circle of economic opportunity and provide education and training opportunities for the youth.

Website and social media links:
tinamunabarnes.com
Facebook: Vice Speaker Tina Rose Muna Barnes
Instagram: @tinamunabarnes

Name on the ballot: PARKINSON, William Mark
Political Party affiliation: Democrat
Profile: William Parkinson,38, is a freshman senator. He was born in Makati, Philippines and raised in Guam. He is the son of former Guam Senator Don Parkinson and Marina Alkonga Parkinson. He attended local schools, including George Washington High School, and later studied at the University of Idaho, his father's alma mater. Before returning to Guam, Parkinson spent nearly a decade as a federal wildland firefighter for the U.S. Forestry Service in Idaho. Parkinson also managed the family pawnshop specializing in gold, silver, and diamonds.

Elected to the 37th Guam Legislature, Parkinson serves as the oversight chairperson for the Guam Power Authority, Guam Fire Department, and the Department of Agriculture. He said his legislative initiatives include extending the $100 power credit for ratepayers and securing $2 million in crop loss compensation for farmers after Typhoon Mawar. He said he also helped approve temporary power generation to prevent load-shedding during the summer and worked to expand solar power generation for businesses.

Website and social media links:
Facebook: Parkinson for Guam
Instagram: @parkinsonforguam

Name on the ballot: PAYNE, William
Party affiliation: Republican
Profile: Bill Payne has been raised in Guam and is a 1964 graduate of Father Duenas Memorial High School. According to Payne’s bio, his career is rooted in public service and he is a product of the blue-collar workforce, highlighting his beginnings as a U.S. Navy apprentice.

He served 32 years as a business manager at the U.S. Naval Ship Repair Facility, overseeing funds of $80 million to $120 million and managing facility assets exceeding $300 million. Payne said, “I set high performance standards with commitment to schedules, deadlines, budgets, and quality work.”

His experience also includes eight years at the Port Authority of Guam, where he was officer in charge of Property, Planning, and Development. He said he is “proficient in business management and office technology,” and is committed to ensuring effective public sector management.

Website and social media links:
Email: billpayne46@yahoo.com

Name on the ballot: PEREZ, Sabina E.
Party affiliation: Democrat
Profile: Sabina Perez is a graduate of the Academy of Our Lady of Guam and holds a bachelor’s of science in medical technology and a master’s of arts in teaching. Her career includes roles as a medical technologist, a diabetes researcher at the University of California San Francisco, and a science teacher at Simon Sanchez High School.

Perez has served as a senator in the 35th, 36th, and 37th Guam Legislatures, where she has focused on sustainability and long-term solutions for Guam’s future. “I feel a deep responsibility to our island and our Saina,” she said, highlighting her commitment to protecting the environment and ensuring the island’s resources are preserved for future generations.

Perez seeks to strengthen the economy, create affordable housing, increase food security, and ensuring transparency in government. She said, “My background as a scientist and educator allows me to focus long-term, sustainable solutions that benefit the community.”

Website and social media links:
senatorperez.org
Instagram: @sabinaforsenator

Name on the ballot: QUINATA, Roy Anthony Benavente
Party affiliation: Democrat
Profile: Senator Roy A.B. Quinata, 28, is a freshman senator and a resident of Yigo. He said his passion for public service began in high school when he advocated for a new campus for Simon Sanchez High School. “My work as a policy researcher and community liaison for senators Tommy Morrison, Mary Torres, and Amanda Shelton further inspired my commitment to serving the people of Guam.”

In 2022, Quinata became the youngest member of the 37th Guam Legislature. His achievements include modernizing communication systems for greater transparency and enacting electioneering regulations. He said he was also active in the recovery efforts following Typhoon Mawar and supports health and fitness programs in the community.

Quinata said, "I believe in fostering community connections and ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard.” He is a graduate of Simon Sanchez High School and AmeriCorps.

Website and social media links:
royforguam.com
Facebook: Roy for Guam
Instagram: @royforguam

Name on the ballot: SAN AGUSTIN, Joe Shimizu
Party affiliation: Democrat
Profile: Joe S. San Agustin graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in 1975. He earned a bachelor’s in criminal justice from the University of Guam in 1990. San Agustin is a lifelong resident of Yigo and has held multiple career roles, from police officer to U.S. Army veteran, and as a senator in the 34th, 35th, 36th, and 37th Guam Legislature.

According to his bio, San Agustin said, "I have championed legislation such as lowering gas taxes and easing burdens on our Guam families." He said he has focused on improving government services, authoring the GPA credit program legislation, which "has saved ratepayers tremendously on their power bills."

San Agustin has more than two decades of public service, including leadership positions in the Guam Education Policy Board and the Department of Revenue and Taxation. He said, "I intend on working closely with the Guam Chamber of Commerce, the Department of Labor, island businesses, and economists to further create legislation to support a living wage.”

Website and social media links:
senatorjoessanagustin.com
Facebook: The Office of Sen. Joe S.
San Agustin
Instagram: Senator Joe. S San Agustin

Name on the ballot: SAN NICOLAS, Dwayne Thomas Diaz
Party affiliation: Democrat
Profile: Senator Dwayne T.D. San Nicolas, 49, is a freshman senator in the 37th Guam Legislature, where he chairs the Committee on Emergency Response, Military and Veteran Affairs, Border Safety, and Mayors Council.

San Nicolas holds a master’s in counseling and a bachelor’s in history from the University of Guam.

According to his bio, San Nicolas assumed office in January 2023, and has introduced 21 bills, focusing on community needs. Among his legislative achievements are legalizing consumer-grade fireworks (Public Law 37-47), removing the statute of limitations for financial exploitation of the elderly, and authorizing a Vietnam Veterans Memorial Monument at Skinner Plaza.

Before he was a senator, San Nicolas served as a public-school guidance counselor at Southern High School and spent 23 years with the Guam Customs and Quarantine Agency, where he rose to the rank of captain. A veteran of the Guam Army National Guard, he is also the founder of J. Goodman, a solar light company and general merchandise store with three locations, and a fourth on the way.

Website and social media links:
senatorsannicolas.com
Facebook: Dwayne San Nicolas
Instagram: @senatorsannicolas
LinkedIN: Dwayne T.D. San Nicolas

Name on the ballot: SANTOS, Angela Therese Ann Marie
Party affiliation: Democrat
Profile: Angela Santos, sister of the late Senator Angel “Anghet” Santos, has served as a commissioner at the CHamoru Land Trust Commission and worked as a community liaison for former Senator Clynt Ridgell. Santos said she is committed to focusing on land management, community safety, and economic opportunities.

“As senator, I’ll use my experience in the CHamoru Land Trust Commission to ensure the return and sustainable management of our land,” she said. Santos is also advocating for restorative justice approaches to reduce crime and drug abuse, emphasizing the need for “healing pathways rooted in restorative justice.”

Santos said she aims to create policies that prevent locals from being “priced away from our homeland,” and she expressed a commitment to supporting local artists and entrepreneurs, including those in the cannabis community, to help residents “stay rooted here for generations
to come.”

“I have the experience, community connections, and the heart to advance our pathway that upholds the rights, health, and prosperity of our people,” Santos said. “I will stand firm and represent diligently with my heartwork.”

Website and social media links:
Facebook: Angela Santos paraHITA
Instagram: @angelasantos.parahita

Name on the ballot: TAITAGUE, Telo Teresa
Political Party affiliation: Republican
Profile: Telo T. Taitague, 64, is a graduate of George Washington High School. She pursued further education at the University of Guam and studied paralegal work at Fayetteville Community College in North Carolina. She has served four terms as a senator, holding key roles such as minority leader and minority whip.

According to her bio, Taitague has prioritized public safety, renewable energy, and the development of a new public hospital. In the 36th Legislature, she focused on the responsible use of federal COVID-19 aid, affordable housing, and preserving CHamoru culture. "Fiscal discipline, transparency, and accountability are essential to addressing our cost-of-living challenges," she said, emphasizing her current work as vice-chairperson of the Committee on General Government Operations and Appropriations.

Taitague also has a diverse background in business, music, and sports. She began her career as a musician at 16 and spent more than two decades in the tourism industry, also serving as deputy general manager at the Guam Visitors Bureau.

Website and social media links:
Facebook: Senator Telo Taitague
Instagram: @tellittotelo

Name on the ballot: TERLAJE, Therese M.
Party affiliation: Democrat
Profile: Therese Terlaje, a CHamoru from Yo’ña, is the eldest daughter of Edward and Shirley Terlaje. She graduated from the Academy of Our Lady of Guam, earned a bachelor’s of science in biology from Creighton University, and holds a juris doctorate from the University of California, Los Angeles. Before joining the Guam Legislature in 2018, Terlaje spent 27 years as a small business owner, attorney, and professor at the University of Guam.

Since becoming vice speaker in 2018, Terlaje has focused on community welfare, government accountability, and veterans’ assistance. Among her legislative achievements are laws that mandate free naloxone training, increase shelter capacity for children under CPS, secure funding for the Guam Autism Center and the Office of Veterans Affairs, and provide infrastructure funding for the Chamorro Land Trust Commission to build affordable housing. She also worked to defer property tax increases and provide residents with $100 credits for their power bills.

Now serving as speaker of the Guam Legislature, Terlaje’s bio says she is known for her “strong leadership and unwavering commitment to advocating for the rights and needs of all residents,” ensuring that their voices are heard in the legislative process.

Website and social media links:
senatorterlaje.com
Facebook: Therese.Terlaje
Instagram: @thereseterlaje