Republican Tony Ada Wins Guam Governor's Race in Unofficial Count, Ending Eight Years of Democratic Control
The first flip of the 2026 midterms came from the place where America's day begins.
Republican Tony Ada and his running mate, EJ Calvo, won Guam's governor's race on Tuesday, according to an unofficial tally, ending eight years of Democratic control of the territory's top office.
Figures shared on X showed the Ada-Calvo ticket with 15,945 votes, or 51.5 percent, against 14,925 votes, or 48.1 percent, for Democrats Therese Terlaje and Sabina Perez. Marianas Press reported that the Republican ticket addressed supporters after the win.
The result is not final until the Guam Election Commission completes its canvass and certifies the election.
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An Open Seat After Two Democratic Terms
The race was open because Democratic Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero was term-limited after two terms in office.
Ada and Calvo won the Republican primary in August with about 60.5 percent of the vote, beating a ticket led by Frank Blas Jr. and Mary Okada. On the Democratic side, Terlaje and Perez narrowly defeated a ticket headed by Lt. Gov. Joshua Tenorio.
Because Guam sits across the International Date Line, its polls close long before those on the U.S. mainland, giving the territory's results an early spot on election night.
Healthcare Took Center Stage
Ada ran on a "Guam First" platform that promised a more responsive territorial government. Healthcare dominated the campaign, especially the debate over where to build and how to pay for a new hospital.
The island's medical community favored a site at Oka Point, while the outgoing administration pursued a location in Mangilao. Ada also called for eliminating the federal caps that limit Guam's Medicaid funding.
His agenda includes stronger law enforcement, expanded drug prevention and addiction treatment, help with food, utility and transportation costs, more affordable housing, and support for seniors, children and family caregivers.
'The Tip of the Spear'
Ada has stressed close ties with Washington and the military. "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," he said.
"We strongly support America's national security mission and Guam's role in the Indo-Pacific," he added.
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." He named regional healthcare, port-anchored trade and logistics, and technology as his top areas for diversification.
Residents of Guam are U.S. citizens but cannot vote in presidential general elections. On Tuesday they also chose a congressional delegate, with Republican James Moylan seeking reelection, and all 15 members of the territorial legislature, at least six of whose seats will change hands because incumbents did not run again.
Ada also said his administration would coordinate closely with federal authorities on public safety and improve screening efforts.
For Republicans, ending eight years of Democratic control is a notable territorial gain on the night of the national midterms, and an early talking point before mainland polls even close.
That legislature will shape how much of Ada's agenda can pass, as the new administration also faces recovery work from several destructive typhoons.