List of governors of Guam facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Governor of Guam |
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Territory seal
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| 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 |
| Succession | Line of succession |
| Deputy | Lieutenant Governor of Guam (Josh Tenorio) |
| Salary | $90,000 (2013) |
The Governor of Guam is the leader of the government of Guam. This person is also the top commander of the Guam National Guard. Their job includes giving a yearly speech about the island's condition to the Guam Legislature. They also create the budget and make sure Guam's laws are followed.
The position of governor was created in 1968. This happened when the Guam Elected Governors Act was passed. The first civilian governor, Carlos Camacho, took office in 1970.
The current governor is Lou Leon Guerrero. She is a member of the Democratic Party of Guam. She became governor on January 7, 2019, after winning the election in 2018.
Contents
What the Governor Does
The governor's main job is to make sure Guam's laws are followed. They can approve or reject bills passed by the Guam Legislature. They can also call the legislature together for special meetings.
The governor has the power to change or forgive criminal sentences. However, they cannot do this for cases of treason or impeachment. Treason means betraying your country. Impeachment is when a public official is accused of wrongdoing.
The governor also controls the government's money plan, called the budget. They get to choose many government officials, including some judges.
Ceremonial Roles
Besides their official duties, the governor also performs special roles. They might greet important visitors or issue special announcements. They also start the Liberation Day parade.
Commander of the Guard
As the commander-in-chief of the Guam National Guard, the governor can call on the Guard. This is done to protect the island during emergencies. The U.S. President can also call on the Guard.
State of the Island Address
Each year, the governor gives a "State of the Island" speech. This speech is given to the Guam Legislature. It is a report on how the territory is doing. This is a requirement in Guam's laws.
Where the Governor Works and Lives
The governor's main office is in Adelup. It is called the Ricardo J. Bordallo Governor's Complex. This building is named after Ricardo Bordallo, who was governor twice.
The governor lives in the official home called Government House. It is located in Agaña Heights. In the past, Spanish and American military governors lived in the Governor's Palace. This palace was in the Plaza de España (Hagåtña). It was destroyed during World War II when Guam was recaptured.
How a Governor is Chosen
Who Can Be Governor?
To become Governor or Lieutenant Governor of Guam, a person must meet certain rules:
- They must be able to vote in Guam.
- They must be a United States citizen.
- They must be at least 30 years old.
- They must have lived in Guam for five years before the election.
- The governor must live in Guam during their time in office.
The Election Process
The Governor and Lieutenant Governor are chosen together by voters. People cast one vote for both positions. The first election for these roles was on November 3, 1970. Carlos Camacho became the first elected Governor.
Since 1974, elections for Governor and Lieutenant Governor happen every four years. They are held on the first Tuesday of November. The winners serve a four-year term. They stay in office until new leaders are elected.
Taking the Oath of Office
The Governor of Guam usually takes their oath of office on the first Monday of January. This marks the start of their four-year term.
First, the Lieutenant Governor-elect takes their oath. Then, they give a speech. After that, the Governor-elect takes their oath. When the governor takes the oath, special music is played. A 21-gun salute also happens. The new governor then gives a speech. This speech shares their plans for the next four years.
The Oath of Office Text
Before starting their job, the governor must say an oath. It is a promise to do their best. The oath is:
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 often place their hand on a Bible when taking the oath. They also add, "So help me God!" at the end. The Chief Justice of Guam is the person who officially gives the oath.
How Long a Governor Serves
A Governor of Guam can serve for two full terms. After serving two terms, they cannot be elected again right away. They must wait for one full term to pass before they can run for governor again.
History of Governors
Spanish Era (1565–1898)
In 1565, Spain claimed the Mariana Islands, which include Guam. For a long time, Guam was ruled from the Philippines. In 1676, Francisco de Irrisari was the first to be called "Governor." Later, Antonio de Saravia was the first governor directly appointed by the Spanish King.
After the Spanish-American War in 1898, the United States took control of Guam. For many years, U.S. Navy officers served as governors. They were called "Naval Governors."
Japanese Military Governors (1941–1944)
During World War II, Japan took control of Guam in 1941. Japanese military officers governed the island until 1944.
American Military Governors (1944–1949)
The United States recaptured Guam in 1944. After that, U.S. military officers again served as governors for a few years.
Appointed Civilian Governors (1949–1971)
In 1949, Guam began to have civilian governors. These governors were chosen and appointed by the U.S. President. They were not elected by the people of Guam.
| # | Governor (Birth–Death) |
Start | End | Appointed by | Acting Governor | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  |
Carlton Skinner (1913–2004) |
September 17, 1949 | April 22, 1953 | Harry S. Truman | Randall S. Herman (February 20, 1953 – April 22, 1953) |
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| 2 | .png) |
Ford Elvidge (1892–1980) |
April 23, 1953 | October 2, 1956 | Dwight D. Eisenhower | William Corbett (May 19, 1956 – October 2, 1956) |
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| 3 |  |
Richard Lowe (1902–1972) |
October 2, 1956 | July 9, 1960 | Marcellus Boss (November 14, 1959 – August 22, 1960) |
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| 4 |  |
Joseph Flores (1900–1981) |
July 9, 1960 | May 20, 1961 | |||
| 5 | .png) |
Bill Daniel (1915–2006) |
May 20, 1961 | March 9, 1963 | John F. Kennedy | Carson Guerrero (January 20, 1963 – March 9, 1963) |
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| 6 |  |
Carson Guerrero (1914–1985) |
March 9, 1963 | July 20, 1969 | |||
| 7 | .jpg) |
Carlos Camacho (1924–1979) |
July 20, 1969 | January 4, 1971 | Richard Nixon | ||
Elected Governors (1971–Present)
Since 1971, the people of Guam have elected their own governors. This was a big change that gave Guam more control over its own government.
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Democratic (4) Republican (5) |
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| Governor | Start | End | Party | Elected | Prior Office | Lieutenant Governor | ||||
| 1 | |
Carlos Camacho (1924–1979) |
January 4, 1971 | January 6, 1975 (lost election) |
Republican | 1970 | Appointed Governor of Guam | Kurt Moylan | ||
| 2 | .jpg) |
Ricardo Bordallo (1927–1990) |
January 6, 1975 | January 1, 1979 (lost election) |
Democratic | 1974 | Senator of the Guam Legislature | Rudy Sablan | ||
| 3 |  |
Paul Calvo (1934–2024) |
January 1, 1979 | January 3, 1983 (lost election) |
Republican | 1978 | Senator of the Guam Legislature | Joseph Ada | ||
| 4 |  |
Ricardo Bordallo (1927–1990) |
January 3, 1983 | January 5, 1987 (lost election) |
Democratic | 1982 | Senator of the Guam Legislature | Eddie Reyes | ||
| 5 |  |
Joseph Ada (born 1943) |
January 5, 1987 | January 2, 1995 (lost election) |
Republican | 1986 1990 |
Lieutenant Governor of Guam | Frank Blas | ||
| 6 |  |
Carl Gutierrez (born 1941) |
January 2, 1995 | January 6, 2003 (lost renomination) |
Democratic | 1994 1998 |
Senator of the Guam Legislature | Madeleine Bordallo | ||
| 7 |  |
Felix Camacho (born 1957) |
January 6, 2003 | January 3, 2011 (term limited) |
Republican | 2002 2006 |
Senator of the Guam Legislature | Kaleo Moylan | ||
| Michael Cruz | ||||||||||
| 8 |  |
Eddie Calvo (born 1961) |
January 3, 2011 | January 7, 2019 (term limited) |
Republican | 2010 2014 |
Senator of the Guam Legislature | Ray Tenorio | ||
| 9 |  |
Lou Leon Guerrero (born 1950) |
January 7, 2019 | present | Democratic | 2018 2022 |
Senator of the Guam Legislature | Josh Tenorio | ||
See also
In Spanish: Anexo:Gobernadores de Guam para niños
- List of governors of the Spanish Mariana Islands
- List of governors of the Northern Mariana Islands
- First ladies and gentlemen of Guam
