Del. James Moylan wins re-election, defeats Ginger Cruz

Guam has spoken. James Moylan is heading back to Washington, D.C. to continue serving as the island's non-voting delegate. 

The freshman congressman waited out the night with his fellow republicans from inside the Venue in Hagatna.

“I’m very happy, and I thank the people of Guam for coming out to vote,” said Moylan. 

Early Wednesday morning, the incumbent Guam Delegate locked in another two years in Congress, outpacing democratic challenger Ginger Cruz with more than 15,000 votes to her 13,703.

It’s a lead that Moylan held throughout the count but before those results rolled in, anticipation was high at both camps in Tamuning and Hagatna.

Candidate Cruz, backed by enthusiastic supporters, including Guam's Lt. Governor Josh Tenorio and live music at her headquarters in Tamuning. 

After a months-long campaign, Cruz said, “At this point, it’s in God’s hands–it’s in the voters hands–but I can tell you, we are extremely proud of the work that we did.”

Equal excitement also brimmed over at the Republican Party of Guam, where a smaller gathering took place. 

But the mood started to shift on the democratic side after the second batch of results trickled in, pointing to Moylan’s impending win. Still, Cruz offered an optimistic take. 

“It’s pretty much likely at this point that the incumbent is going to win,” said Cruz. “I am extremely overwhelmed by the people who voted for me. I want to make sure that I do good by them and by all the people of Guam.”

And as Moylan continued to hold onto that lead, he got a congratulatory phone call from his opponent while the final results still had yet to be released. KUAM captured that conversation from both sides.

“I’m always here if you want to call, and we look forward to you doing the work for the people of Guam in Washington, D.C.,” said Cruz. 

“Let’s move forward for the island of Guam and the United States of America,” said Moylan. 

Not long after, Moylan ultimately re-claimed his spot as congressman before 3 am. He sent this victory message. 

“Today, the island chose–and this is where we’re at. Now, I have to fulfill that commitment, and I am more than willing to do it,” said Moylan. 

Cruz with this message after gracefully conceding–urging her supporters to keep their movement going. 

“No sad faces. No sad faces allowed. I’m not sad, so you guys can't be sad,” said Cruz. 

Meantime, Moylan said he has a couple of days to get back to Congress to first tackle budget talks.