List of governors of Guam facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Quick facts for kids Governor of Guam
Territory seal
Incumbent Lou Leon Guerrero since January 7, 2019
Style	The Honorable (formal)
Residence	Government House (Agaña Heights)
Seat	Ricardo J. Bordallo Governor's Complex (Adelup)
Term length	Four-year term, renewable once
Constituting instrument	Organic Act of Guam
Inaugural holder	Carlos Camacho
Formation	January 4, 1971
Deputy	Lieutenant Governor of Guam (Josh Tenorio)
Salary	$90,000 (2013)

The Governor of Guam (Chamorro: I Maga'låhen / Maga'håga Guåhan) is the top leader of Guam. This person is like the chief executive, making sure the government runs smoothly. They are also the boss of the Guam National Guard.

The governor has many important jobs. They give a yearly speech about the "State of the Island" to the Guam Legislature. They also create the government's budget and make sure that Guam's laws are followed. The position of an elected governor was created in 1968. Guam chose its first civilian governor, Carlos Camacho, in 1970.

The current governor is Lou Leon Guerrero. She is a member of the Democratic Party. She became governor on January 7, 2019, after winning the election in 2018.

What Does the Governor Do?

The Governor of Guam has several important powers and duties. Their main job is to make sure Guam's public laws are followed.

Approving and Vetoing Bills

The governor can either approve or reject (veto) new laws passed by the Guam Legislature. If the governor vetoes a bill, it usually doesn't become law. They can also call the legislature together for special meetings.

Pardons and Appointments

The governor has the power to reduce or cancel criminal sentences. This is called a commutation or a pardon. However, they cannot do this for crimes like treason or impeachment. The governor also controls the government's money plan (budget). They can also appoint many officials, including some judges.

Ceremonial Roles

Besides official duties, the governor also performs ceremonial roles. They might greet important visitors or issue special announcements. For example, they often start the Liberation Day parade.

Commander-in-Chief of the Guard

The governor is the commander-in-chief of the Guam National Guard. This means they can call on the Guard to help defend the island. This can happen especially during emergencies. The U.S. President can also call on the Guard.

State of the Island Address

Every year, the governor gives a "State of the Island" speech. This speech is given to a special meeting of the Guam Legislature. It's a way for the governor to report on how the territory is doing.

Where the Governor Works and Lives

The governor has a special office and a home.

Governor's Office: The Seat of Power

The main office for the governor is the Ricardo J. Bordallo Governor's Complex. It's located in Adelup along Route 1. This building is named after Ricardo Bordallo, who was governor twice.

Governor's Home: Government House

The governor lives in an official residence called the Government House. This house is in Agaña Heights. In the past, Spanish and American military governors lived in the Governor's Palace. That palace was in the Plaza de España (Hagåtña). However, it was destroyed during World War II when Hagåtña was shelled during the reconquest of Guam.

How a Governor is Chosen

Becoming Governor of Guam involves specific steps and rules.

Who Can Be Governor?

To be eligible for Governor or Lieutenant Governor, a person must meet certain requirements:

They must be able to vote in Guam.
They must have lived in Guam for five years in a row right before the election.
They must be a United States citizen.
They must be at least 30 years old when they take office.
The governor must live in Guam during their time in office.

The Election Process

The Governor and Lieutenant Governor of Guam are elected together. People vote for both offices at the same time. They need to win a majority of the votes. The first election for these positions happened on November 3, 1970. That's when Governor Carlos Camacho and Lt. Governor Kurt Moylan were chosen.

Since 1974, the election for Governor and Lieutenant Governor happens every four years. It takes place on the first Tuesday of November. The winners hold office for four years.

Taking the Oath: Inauguration Day

The Governor of Guam usually takes their oath of office on the first Monday of January. Sometimes, the new governor and lieutenant governor take the oath just after midnight on that Monday morning.

During the ceremony, the lieutenant governor-elect takes their oath first. Then, they give a speech. After that, the incoming governor-elect takes their oath. Once the governor takes the oath, special music is played, and a 21-gun salute happens. The new governor then gives a speech. This is where they share their plans for the next four years.

The Governor's Promise: Oath of Office

Before starting their job, the Governor of Guam must take an oath of office. This is a promise they make to serve the people. The oath officially begins their four-year term.

The oath says:

I, (name), duly elected Governor of Guam, do solemnly swear, in the presence of the Almighty God, that I will well and faithfully support the Constitution of the United States, the laws of the United States applicable to Guam, and the laws of Guam, and that I will conscientiously and impartially discharge my duties as the Governor of Guam.

Governors traditionally place their hand on a Bible when taking the oath. They often add, "So help me God!" at the end. The Chief Justice of Guam is usually the one who officially gives the oath.

Who Takes Over if the Governor Can't Serve?

If the Governor of Guam cannot finish their term, there is a clear plan for who takes over. This is called the line of succession.

How Long Can a Governor Serve?

The Governor of Guam can serve for two full terms. After serving two terms in a row, a person cannot be governor again right away. They must wait for one full term to pass before they can run for the office again. The governor's term officially starts on the first Monday of January after the election.

A Brief History of Guam's Governors

Guam has had many different leaders throughout its history.

Early Spanish Rule (1565-1898)

In 1565, Spain claimed the Mariana Islands, which include Guam. For a long time, Guam was ruled from the Philippines. The first person to officially be called "Governor" of Guam was Francisco de Irrisari in 1676. Later, Antonio de Saravia was the first governor directly appointed by the King of Spain in 1681.

American Control and Changes (1898-1971)

The United States took control of Guam in 1898. After this, Guam was mainly led by American Naval officers. These were called "Naval governors." There was a short period of political instability right after the American takeover.

During World War II, from 1941 to 1944, Japan occupied Guam. During this time, Japanese military officers served as governors. After the U.S. recaptured Guam in 1944, American military governors were in charge again until 1949.

From 1949 to 1971, the U.S. President appointed civilian governors for Guam. These governors were not elected by the people of Guam.

Elected Governors (1971-Present)

A big change happened in 1971. This is when the people of Guam were finally able to elect their own governor. Carlos Camacho was the first elected civilian governor. Since then, Guam has had a series of elected governors, both from the Democratic and Republican parties.