Recount underway for 15th and 16th spots in the Guam Legislature race

Just when we thought that the election results were set to be certified, the Guam Election Commission finds themselves now doing a recount. 

However, it's only for two seats up for grabs in the 38th Guam Legislature, the 15th and 16th top votes are being reran through the tabulation machines. 

Newcomer and longtime broadcaster Shawn Gumatataotao, a republican who secured that 15th seat over democrat incumbent Senator Roy Quinata. 

On Super Tuesday, Gumataotao secured 11,408 votes or 3.78%.

Quinata got 11,148 or 3.70% of the votes, just a 260 vote difference. 

Now the GEC is required by law to conduct a recount if the difference is less than 2%. 

KUAM spoke with both candidates today ahead of tonight's recount. 

“I think for me I am a little anxious but I think the important thing to remember is the Guam Election Commission has an administerial duty to perform. It’s not just whether or not I’m the 15th member of the Guam Legislature but also to certify the 2024 Guam Election Commission results. So, very excited for not just myself but for the entirety of the party up and down the ballot. Some great wins on election night. This is all that culmination in one night,” said Gumataotao. 

“I'm very much content with the results. I wish whoever is elected, Shawn Gumataotao or myself, best on the journey ahead. If the people and the Lord wills it that I am reelected in the 38th, then we will definitely continue the good work of the people and move the island forward. But if the results are unfortunately not in my favor, then we carry on and we help our island rebuild and let the torch carry on to the next elected people,” said Quinata. 

“We’re all very optimistic. In the room we have members who have decades of experience collectively and as we are about to enter what will be the 75th anniversary of the Guam legislature, I think the group itself is very much watching the recount and I think we are very optimistic in terms of experience. Once all the absentees and any provisional ballots have been cast, at the end of the day we are very excited what 2025 will bring for the Guam legislature and the party as a whole,” added Gumataotao. 

“It's been obviously one of my biggest efforts as a legislator this term. I really want to get Simon Sanchez rebuilt at the earliest convenience and trying to get students out of this double session is really much my priority whether being reelected or not. I want to continue the fight. As lawmakers and policy makers, it's very prudent for us to ensure that the next generation doesn't inherit the same challenges,” added Quinata. 

“I think for both of us we have to allow this important administerial process to continue and complete to allow some finality to the Guam Election Commission and the end result will be that big notice to all our community that the election process is complete. Then the big task is to move ahead and for the election commission to look down the road to 2026,” said Gumataotao. 

“In any case, I am wishing him all the best and his team all the best. I'm hopeful the People's voice will be heard this evening finally and we can move forward,” said Quinata. 

Whatever the outcome of the recount, it won’t change the majority that the GOP has secured in the 38th. 

Once the recount is complete, the commission will then vote to certify the results of the election. 

This includes the race for delegate, Congressman James Moylan securing a second term. 

Plus nearly a handful of newcomers in the legislature that voters are looking forward to seeing what they do for the island come January.

The certification includes the race for Village Mayors and Vice Mayors, the CCU and the Education Board.

KUAM will bring you the latest results on the recount here on our webpage and our social media platforms @kuamnews.