Guam leaders pay tribute to former Senator Ted Sgambelluri Nelson, who passed away Monday afternoon.

Sen. Nelson served six terms in the Guam Legislature, including one as Vice Speaker. 

He was also a Vice President of the Association of Pacific Island Legislatures and a respected educator, having served as a teacher, vice principal, and principal at George Washington High School.

Speaker Frank Blas Jr. honored his legacy, saying, “Former Senator Nelson will be long remembered for his political astuteness and willingness to share his knowledge and wisdom with senators who served with and after him without concern of political affiliation. He was truly a statesman with the heart of a lion.”

Governor Lou Leon Guerrero also reflected on his contributions, stating,“Vice Speaker Nelson dedicated his life to service, and he did so with humility, wisdom, and a deep love for the people of Guam. As an educator, he nurtured generations of students, always believing that knowledge was the key to a better future. As a six-term senator and Vice Speaker of the Guam Legislature, he carried that same passion for learning into public service, working to build stronger communities, create opportunities for working families, and uplift those who needed it most. It was an honor to serve alongside him as Senator,”

Lieutenant Governor Josh Tenorio highlighted his impact, saying, “Vice Speaker Nelson was a champion for affordable housing, a leader in infrastructure development, and a fighter for the common man—always standing up for those who couldn’t fight for themselves. As the creator of the Land for the Landless program, he made homeownership a reality for countless families, giving them not just land but the foundation for a better future. His work laid the groundwork for a stronger Guam, and his legacy will live on in the lives he touched, the policies he shaped, and the communities he helped build.”

Flags will be flown at half-staff in honor of his life and legacy.