Republicans regain control of 38th Guam Legislature for first time in 18 years

For the first time in nearly two decades, the republicans have taken the majority in the 38th Guam Legislature. 

The GOP won nine seats, with four newcomers giving the boot to incumbents on both sides of the party. 

Party Chairman and Senator-elect Shawn Gumataotao secured the last spot over democratic Senator Roy Quinata, who was shy of just 260 votes. 

“We really pushed hard in early voting. We really were out in our villages to get our messages of voting differently for a change and the voters spoke today that this is what they want to see. It’s a bit of a change with a 9-6 majority for the republicans for the first time since 2006. It’s an incredible feeling not just for myself, not just for the executive committee, not just for the members of the republican party of Guam but every voter on Guam that participated in this effort,” said Gumataotao.  

At the republican camp Tuesday night, minority leader Frank Blas Jr., who came in eighth, spoke with KUAM as exit polls already hinted at the red wave early on. 

“We haven’t had the majority since the first time I was in the legislature back in the 29th. And that lasted only half a term as a result of the passing of Speaker Tony Unpingco. With that, I’m excited to see what comes as may. No matter what, at the end of the day we go about to work for the people of Guam,” said Blas. 

Certainly a night to remember for newcomer Sabrina Salas Matanane who made it into the top five. 

“As you know, there are so many issues that are happening on the island and some of the issues that are still happening are those that I reported on and that you are still reporting on now in the next generation, whether it’s healthcare, education, and public safety,” said Salas Matanane. 

Senator-elect Vince Borja agreed it’s a time for change voters have been asking for. 

One thing that is very clear is they definitely want to shake up the majority. It’s what everyone says. They want a set of new faces and ideas and hopefully people that can work together because we have a legislature that is always fighting.  

Over at the democratic camp, incumbent Will Parkinson, who came in 10th, said he looks most forward to continuing the work he has started. 

“I had a pretty successful freshman campaign in terms of passing legislation. But I had many bills that still have not had its day of debate on the session floor. So I’m hoping to continue pushing for those issues that have been introduced previously but have not had the time to properly address, do more of that good progressive work and build Guam towards a sustainable and prosperous future,” said Parkinson.  

In the top five, Speaker Therese Terlaje coming out on top with 19,995 votes, incumbent Chris Barnett coming in second with 17,967, former Senator Tony Ada pulling up third with 16,536, incumbent Joe San Agustin is fourth with 15, 328 and Salas Matanane following closely behind with 14,523. 

And from sixth to fifteenth are Vice Speaker Tina Muna Barnes, Jesse Lujan, Frank Blas Jr, Shelly Calvo, Parkinson, Chris Duenas,  Borja, Sabina Perez, Telo Taitague, and Gumataotao. 

Freshman Senators Quinata, Dwayne San Nicolas, and Tom Fisher alongside longtime Senator Joanne Brown did not make the cut.