Torres congratulates Guam’s 1st female governor

Gov. Ralph DLG Torres congratulated Lou Leon Guerrero yesterday after the former Guam lawmaker became Guam’s first female governor, defeating Republican bet Ray Tenorio for the top post in the CNMI’s southernmost island neighbor.

“I congratulate former senator Lou Leon Guerrero and her running mate Joshua Tenorio on their electoral victory as the governor and lieutenant governor of Guam,” Torres said in a statement.

“Lou is a personal friend of mine, and I spoke to her earlier today [Wednesday] about continuing the partnerships between our islands and the collaboration between our governments,” added Torres, who is still coordinating the CNMI’s recovery from two destructive typhoons.

If given the opportunity to serve again, Torres looks forward to working with the Leon Guerrero administration “to build an even stronger relationship between the CNMI and Guam.”

Torres also congratulated all candidates that won in Guam’s elections.

“This election for Guam was historic, with the election of their first female governor and a record 10 female senators [elected] to the 35th Guam Legislature. The people of Guam have spoken, and I look forward to working with their newly elected leaders to usher in a new era of progress for the Marianas.”

The CNMI elections was also supposed to be held last Tuesday, Nov. 6, but Torres pushed it back another week after the destruction wrought by Super Typhoon Yutu on Saipan and Tinian. The election is now set on Nov. 13 while early voting began last Nov. 6.

Leon Guerrero, of the Democrat Party, became Guam’s first female elected governor after she and running mate Josh Tenorio garnered 18,081 votes or 50.70 percent of the votes cast.

The Leon Guerrero-Tenorio tandem defeated Ray Tenorio, the outgoing lieutenant governor of Gov. Eddie Calvo, and Sen. Tony Ada with the GOP tandem receiving 9,419 votes or 26.41 percent. Write-in candidates Frank Aguon and Alicia Limtiaco came third with 8,161 votes or 22.88 percent.

Leon Guerrero, in a victory message, said it is now time to reach out and unite all the people in Guam. “This election has been rough for our entire community. And as we move forward in healing, Josh and I look forward to working on behalf of all the people of Guam.”

“Over the last two years, you have invited us into your homes. We have listened to your concerns and with your input, developed a plan to change Guam for the better. Now, you have entrusted to us with the responsibility to carry out that mandate.”

She added that her administration would be fair to all. “Josh and I commit to you that we will apply all the principles of fairness, equality, and justice to the highest level of your government. We will fight for fair wages, enhance public safety, health care and education, and work each and every day to improve your quality of life.”

“The healing begins now. The work begins now. And we are honored to be by your side as we enter this new era of change and prosperity,” added Leon Guerrero, who became the first Democrat to win Guam’s top post after former governor Carl Gutierrez.

Delegate Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (Ind-MP) also congratulated his Guam counterpart Michael San Nicolas for becoming Guam’s non-voting representative to the U.S. Congress.