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Governor of Guam
Seal of Guam.svg
Territory seal
Lou Leon Guerrero in 2018.jpeg
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
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.

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.

American Naval Governors (1899–1941)

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.jpg   Skinner, CarltonCarlton Skinner
(1913–2004)
September 17, 1949 April 22, 1953 Truman, Harry S.Harry S. Truman Herman, Randall S.Randall S. Herman
(February 20, 1953 – April 22, 1953)
2 Ford Q. Elvidge (GU).png   Elvidge, FordFord Elvidge
(1892–1980)
April 23, 1953 October 2, 1956 Eisenhower, Dwight D.Dwight D. Eisenhower Corbett, WilliamWilliam Corbett
(May 19, 1956 – October 2, 1956)
3 Richard Barrett Lowe.jpg   Lowe, RichardRichard Lowe
(1902–1972)
October 2, 1956 July 9, 1960 Boss, MarcellusMarcellus Boss
(November 14, 1959 – August 22, 1960)
4 No image.png   Flores, JosephJoseph Flores
(1900–1981)
July 9, 1960 May 20, 1961
5 Bill Daniel (GU).png   Daniel, BillBill Daniel
(1915–2006)
May 20, 1961 March 9, 1963 Kennedy, John F.John F. Kennedy Guerrero, CarsonCarson Guerrero
(January 20, 1963 – March 9, 1963)
6 ManuelLeonGuerrero.jpg   Guerrero, CarsonCarson Guerrero
(1914–1985)
March 9, 1963 July 20, 1969
7 Carlos G. Camacho (cropped).jpg   Camacho, CarlosCarlos Camacho
(1924–1979)
July 20, 1969 January 4, 1971 Nixon, RichardRichard 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.

      Democratic (4)           Republican (5)

Governor Start End Party Elected Prior Office Lieutenant Governor
1 Carlos G. Camacho (cropped).jpg   Camacho, CarlosCarlos Camacho
(1924–1979)
January 4, 1971 January 6, 1975
(lost election)
Republican 1970 Appointed Governor of Guam   Moylan, KurtKurt Moylan
2 Ricardo Bordallo (cropped).jpg   Bordallo, RicardoRicardo Bordallo
(1927–1990)
January 6, 1975 January 1, 1979
(lost election)
Democratic 1974 Senator of the Guam Legislature   Sablan, RudyRudy Sablan
3 Paul McDonald Calvo.jpg   Calvo, PaulPaul Calvo
(1934–2024)
January 1, 1979 January 3, 1983
(lost election)
Republican 1978 Senator of the Guam Legislature   Ada, JosephJoseph Ada
4 Ricardo J Bordallo Cropped.jpg   Bordallo, RicardoRicardo Bordallo
(1927–1990)
January 3, 1983 January 5, 1987
(lost election)
Democratic 1982 Senator of the Guam Legislature   Reyes, EddieEddie Reyes
5 Joseph F. Ada.jpg   Ada, JosephJoseph Ada
(born 1943)
January 5, 1987 January 2, 1995
(lost election)
Republican 1986
1990
Lieutenant Governor of Guam   Blas, FrankFrank Blas
6 Carl T Guiterez 1998-11-23 2826 Cropped 3x4 Zoom.png   Gutierrez, CarlCarl Gutierrez
(born 1941)
January 2, 1995 January 6, 2003
(lost renomination)
Democratic 1994
1998
Senator of the Guam Legislature   Bordallo, MadeleineMadeleine Bordallo
7 Guam Governor Felix Camacho.jpg   Camacho, FelixFelix Camacho
(born 1957)
January 6, 2003 January 3, 2011
(term limited)
Republican 2002
2006
Senator of the Guam Legislature   Moylan, KaleoKaleo Moylan
  Cruz, MichaelMichael Cruz
8 Governor Eddie Calvo.jpg   Calvo, EddieEddie Calvo
(born 1961)
January 3, 2011 January 7, 2019
(term limited)
Republican 2010
2014
Senator of the Guam Legislature   Tenorio, RayRay Tenorio
9 Lou Leon Guerrero in 2018.jpeg   Leon Guerrero, LouLou Leon Guerrero
(born 1950)
January 7, 2019 present Democratic 2018
2022
Senator of the Guam Legislature   Tenorio, JoshJosh Tenorio

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Anexo:Gobernadores de Guam para niños

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