2026 Guam election candidate list grows to 55 potential contenders

The field for the Decision 2026 Guam election continues to expand. The latest candidate count has increased to some 55 potential contenders, according to the Guam Election Commission’s candidate log.  The surge in candidates sets the stage for a crowded and highly competitive race across several key offices. 

In less than two weeks, the GEC will begin accepting candidate packets for the primary election and the race is heating up.  As of Friday, some 55 candidate packets have been picked-up. with a whopping 39 of them for senator, with 8 candidates running for governor and lieutenant governor, 3 contenders for congress, and 4 for attorney general.

The majority of the senatorial candidates are newcomers. Of note are Department of Parks & Recreation director Angel Sablan (D), American Medical Center co-founder Dr. Hoa Nguyen (R), businesswoman Donna Muna Quinata (D), veteran and HMI president Anthony Taijeron, and longtime family physician and advocate Dr. William Weare. 

Seeking the seat again are former senators Roy Quinata (D), Louise Borja (R), and Will Castro (R). Launching another run after an unsuccessful bid are Bistra Mendiola (R), Sarah Thomas Nededog (D), and Ken Leon Guerrero. 

And in a key race to watch, there are currently four confirmed gubernatorial teams vying for a seat in Adelup.  On the democrat side, Team Josh Tenorio-Tina Muna Barnes will go head-to-head with Team Joe San Agustin-Dwayne San Nicolas in the primary. 

On the republican side, Team Frank Blas, Jr./Dr. Mary Okada will be going up against Team Tony Ada/EJ Calvo. 

With four of them sitting senators, this frees up at least four seats in the legislature for newcomers.  Incumbents Shelly Calvo (R), Chris Duenas (R), Shawn Gumataotao (R), Jesse Lujan (R), Sabrina Salas Matanane (R), Vince Borja (R), and Wil Parkinson (D) plan to run for re-election. There's been no word yet on Senator Sabina Perez (D), and top vote getters Senator Therese Terlaje (D) and Sentor Chris Barnett (D). 

In the congressional race, incumbent James Moylan and former senator Mary Torres will face off in the primary under the republican ticket. 

So far, former U.S. Attorney Alicia Limtiaco is the sole congressional candidate under the democratic ticket. 

In the meantime, in the bid for attorney general in the general election are incumbent Doug Moylan, Guam Memorial Hospital legal counsel Jordan Paluhn, Public Defender Peter Santos and former chief prosecutor Phil Tydingco. 

The deadline to submit candidate packets for the primary election is May 1 at 5pm. The primary election is on August 1 and the general election is on November 3.