The Republican Party of Guam on Saturday not only elected new leaders now led by Chairman Shawn Gumataotao but also pledged all their nine delegates’ support for former President Donald Trump, who’s seeking a presidential comeback.
Trump and Democrat President Joe Biden clinched their parties’ presidential nominations last week, setting up a general election rematch.
A straw poll among local Republicans also resulted in all 178 votes for Trump, and zero for Nikki Haley, Gumataotao told the Pacific Daily News.
Though Haley withdrew from the presidential race, the local Republicans still included her name in the straw poll.
The straw poll, according to the local Republicans, reflects their “enduring endorsement” of Trump’s “leadership and Republican values.”
The local Republicans held a convention on Saturday night at Dusit Beach Resort and elected the following:
- Chairman: Shawn Gumataotao
- First vice chair: Thelma Hechanova
- Second vice chair: Marvin Crisostomo
- Secretary: Tammy Bamba
- Treasurer: Evelyn Casil
- Guam National Committeeman: Juan Carlos Benitez
- Guam National Committeewoman: Former Sen. Shirley “Sam” Mabini Young
These seven individuals will be joined by Del. James Moylan and Minority Leader Frank Blas Jr. at the Republican National Convention in July in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Moylan and Blas are also seeking reelection.
“As we embark on this new chapter, we are immensely proud of the talent and dedication within our party ranks,” Gumataotao said in a statement. “Together, we will build on our successes, champion conservative ideals, and tirelessly serve the people of Guam.”
The party said Gumataotao was elected and recognized for his “unwavering dedication to conservative values and community service,” and that the election of party leaders marks a “pivotal moment” in the party’s future.
Gumataotao, managing partner at consulting firm GET, LLC, served as Gov. Felix Camacho’s deputy chief of staff and director of policy during Camacho’s administration, and also was director of policy planning and community relations for the Judicial Council of Guam.
Benitez, the former party chairman, and Mabini Young bring “a wealth of experience to their roles and a passion for advancing” the Republican goals, the party said.
During the Saturday night event, former first vice chair La’Kiesha Pereda and secretary Sharon Cassidy declined nominations for their reelection.
“Their dedicated service embodied the essence of commitment and integrity to their roles. Additionally, we also extend our heartfelt appreciation to Mary Michelle ‘Shelly’ Gibson, for her term as National Committeewoman. Her contributions have been instrumental to our organization’s national reach,” the party said.
The local Republican Party thanked its members who participated in Saturday’s convention.
“Every eligible voter, whether on Guam or across our nation, must exercise their right to vote,” Gumataotao said. “It is fundamental to our democracy, ensuring the election of leaders who uphold common-sense values to lead our island and our country.”
As for the Guam gubernatorial election, businessman and educator Charlie Hermosa is so far the only Republican who has come forward to make his intention known of running for governor in the 2026 elections. Hermosa is the co-founder of Bella Wings Aviation LLC and a former general manager for the Guam-Micronesia operations of American President Lines, or APL.
On the Democratic side, only Lt. Gov. Joshua Tenorio has so far announced intention to run for governor in the 2026 races.