Politics
The 2022 race for Guam delegate seat
Interviews by Aurora Kohn
Antonio Won Pat , a Democrat , was the first Guam delegate elected to the U . S . Congress , where he served from 1973 to 1985 . He was succeeded by Ben Garrido Blas , the only Republican to hold the non-voting seat , who served from 1985 to 1993 .
For nearly four decades , the congressional seat has been the Democratic Party ’ s turf .
Robert Underwood held the seat from 1993 to 2003 . He was followed by Madeleine Bordallo , who served multiple terms from 2003 until she was defeated by San Nicolas in the 2018 elections .
San Nicolas , who is serving his second term in Congress , is not seeking reelection . He has joined the gubernatorial race .
This year , Won Pat ’ s daughter , former Speaker Judi
Won Pat , is seeking to follow in her father ’ s footsteps . The Democratic primary slated for Aug . 27 will pit Won Pat against Sen . Telena Cruz Nelson .
Sen . James Moylan is the Republican Party ’ s official candidate for the congressional seat .
In separate Q & As , the three candidates presented their action plans if elected to Congress . Their responses were slightly edited for space consideration .
This young candidate , who has been to armed combat in Afghanistan , has three terms under her belt as a senator . Now , Telena Cruz Nelson has her eye on becoming the next representative of Guam to the U . S . Congress .
Nelson graduated from the University of Guam with a bachelor ’ s degree in anthropology , and a master ’ s in public administration . She holds the rank of major with the Guam Army National Guard .
Nelson is a granddaughter of Theodore Sgambelluri Nelson , who served as vice speaker of the Guam Legislature .
What , in your opinion makes you the best choice to represent Guam in the U . S . Congress ?
As a field grade officer , I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience in military operations , mobilization , program management , sustainment , training personnel and communication infrastructure . The experience and knowledge that I hold within those functions make me the most experienced candidate who is able to understand Guam ' s role in being a part of what is known as the second island chain within the Indo-Pacific Region to best leverage our island ' s capabilities , understanding the increased activity of China and Russia and the role that Guam plays in the second island chain as a sustainment line within the Indo-Pacific region .
This knowledge allows me to leverage Guam in Congress for greater equity in the National Defense
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James Moylan is not one to back away from a challenge . The two-term legislator , known for his advocacy of transparency in government and his ability to work “ across the aisle ” to get things done , believes he is ready for his next challenge . He is the lone Republican contender .
Moylan earned a bachelor ’ s degree in criminal justice from the University of Guam . He was a commissioned officer in the U . S . Army and served as a parole officer at Guam Department of Corrections . He managed the life and health departments at Moylan ’ s Insurance Underwriters , and government accounts at NetCare Life & Health Insurance Company .
What , in your opinion , makes you the best choice to represent Guam in the U . S . Congress ?
I believe I bring a balanced approach in terms of qualifications and experiences to represent Guam in Congress . As a sworn law enforcement officer during my tenure at the Department of Corrections , I ’ ve seen firsthand the challenges families face when it comes to the drug epidemic . I spent a good part of the past 20-plus years in the insurance and financial services industry , inclusive of healthcare .
My parents taught me that success will only come from hard work . As a teenager I worked in a warehouse moving boxes , and when I was 18 , I had to be up at 3 a . m . every weekend to drive tourists to the old Harmon flea market . As a senior in high school , I took advantage of the half-day classes , so I could work part
Telena Cruz Nelson James Moylan Judith Won Pat
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Even a cursory perusal of the former speaker ’ s curriculum vitae leaves no doubt that she spent most of her adult life in public service . But she is not done . She is running to represent Guam in the U . S . Congress .
Judith T . Won Pat is a life-long educator . Her career began in the middle school classroom , which led to her becoming a school principal . Leaving the school system to advocate for substantive change in education standards on a policy level , Won Pat was elected senator and served as speaker of the legislature for five of her nine terms .
What , in your opinion , makes you the best choice to represent Guam in the U . S . Congress ?
First , I have a deep understanding of Guam and love for our people . I also have what it takes to move something from an idea to law . Some of this comes from being mentored by my father , Guam ’ s first congressman , and raised by parents who spent their lives in public service . I also worked for 25 years in Guam ’ s public schools as a counselor , teacher , and administrator . I served 18 years in the legislature , 10 of which I was elected speaker .
I understand the complexities of policymaking and I have the skillset to educate policymakers about Guam , to be a strong advocate for our community , and to bring people together — working with all stakeholders to get things done . I will bring a focused , thoughtful approach to Washington , D . C ., advocating for Guam ’ s
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