Unofficial results from Guam’s 2026 midterm elections show Democrat Alicia Limtiaco defeating Republican incumbent James Moylan for the territory’s non-voting U.S. House delegate seat, marking the first congressional flip of the midterms cycle. Concurrently, Republican Tony Ada leads in the gubernatorial race, securing a narrow victory over Democrat Therese Terlaje. Both outcomes remain subject to certification by the Guam Election Commission.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
Guam’s Election Commission released the latest unofficial tallies on Wednesday, with Limtiaco holding a 662-vote lead over Moylan—51% to 48.84%—based on 30,628 votes counted. The commission did not specify the number of precincts included in the tally. Moylan, who won the seat in 2024 with 52.7% of the vote, conceded in a statement, praising Limtiaco’s campaign and affirming his respect for the election outcome.
In the gubernatorial race, Tony Ada leads Therese Terlaje 51.45% to 48.15%, with 30,870 votes counted. Republicans also secured a one-seat majority in Guam’s 15-member legislature, flipping control from Democrats. The legislature’s partisan split now stands at 8 Republicans to 7 Democrats.
Deeper Dive & Context
Election Mechanics and Certification
The Guam Election Commission has not yet finalized the results, as additional ballots—including absentee and provisional ballots—remain to be processed. Certification is expected within 10 days of the election, per local election law. The commission’s latest release did not detail the number of precincts included, though Guam News Network noted the figures were based on a partial count.
Political Reactions and Interpretations
President Donald Trump celebrated the Republican gains in a Truth Social post, highlighting Ada’s victory and the party’s legislative majority as potential indicators for the November midterms. “Guam, which has always been considered strongly Democrat, just had an early call for a REPUBLICAN Victory in the top spot, Governor — Congratulations to Tony Ada!” Trump wrote. He added, “Wow, hopefully that’s an indication for things to come!”
Moylan, in his concession statement, emphasized the democratic process. “The people of Guam have spoken, and I respect their decision,” he said. “Elections are a vital part of our democracy, and while we may have different perspectives and ideas about the path forward, we all share a common love for our island and a desire to see our people thrive.”
Partisan Shifts and Historical Context
Guam, a U.S. territory in the western Pacific, holds non-voting representation in Congress, meaning its delegate cannot vote on final passage of legislation. The seat’s partisan shifts do not affect the balance of power in the House, which requires 218 seats for a majority. However, the race serves as an early barometer for national political trends ahead of the midterms.
The gubernatorial and legislative results reflect a divided outcome rather than a uniform shift toward either party. While Republicans gained the governor’s office and legislative control, Democrats flipped the House delegate seat, underscoring the competitive nature of the election. Guam has historically leaned Democratic in federal elections, though local politics often feature competitive races across parties.
Next Steps
The Guam Election Commission will continue processing ballots before certifying the final results. Local media and political observers will monitor the certification process for any challenges or recount requests, though none have been announced as of the latest reports.