Lt. Gov. Joshua F. Tenorio and Sen. Tina Muña Barnes announced their bid for the 2026 Guam gubernatorial election on Dec. 19 at Fort Santa Agueda overlooking Hagåtña.
According to the Tenorio–Muña Barnes campaign, more than 700 people attended the evening announcement.
In an interview with the Journal, Tenorio said the campaign’s platform will center on three key priorities: affordability, housing, and crime.
The Tenorio-Muña Barnes campaign hosted an announcement event on Dec. 19 at Fort Santa Agueda in Hagåtña. Photo by Skyler Obispo
“Too many workers, especially in the private sector, are still falling behind. That is why the next phase of leadership must focus on affordability for all of Guam’s working families, not just emergency relief,” he said in his remarks.
Tenorio said many families are doing everything right financially, yet continue to face rising costs for necessities such as groceries, while long-term goals like homeownership are becoming increasingly difficult.
On public safety, Tenorio said that if elected, the administration would continue investing in law enforcement through competitive salaries for officers, while also expanding drug treatment programs to address addiction on the island.
“We want people to live in safe places, safe homes,” he told the Journal.
Workforce development was another focus discussed by the candidates. Tenorio said apprenticeship programs on Guam have doubled and that both he and Muña Barnes support the establishment of a full-time vocational high school.
Tenorio said the governing approach of a new administration would differ from previous strategies.
“It’s going to be about directly engaging decision makers in Washington, making sure we recognize that we have open lines with our closest partner, the Department of War, and making sure we pay attention to our bread basket, [the tourism industry].”
Muña Barnes added that expanding job opportunities through the development of new industries would also be a priority.
“I mean we’ve created seven new industries, and a lot of them have not been implemented,” she said. These industries include transhipment, cruise tourism, and film.
Franklin P. Arriola, chairman of the Tenorio–Muña Barnes campaign, said the campaign structure will reflect how the candidates intend to govern if elected.
Arriola said the campaign strategy will focus on three areas: signage, mass media, and events.
Campaign operations will include signage and canvassing led by Rose Ramsey, a veteran political organizer. Derrick Muña Quinata, principal dealer and owner of AutoSpot, will oversee the campaign’s social media efforts.
Arriola said a formal campaign kickoff rally is planned for the first quarter of 2026, along with motorcades and village meetings across the island.
Gov. Lourdes A. Leon Guerrero spoke in support of Tenorio's bid for governor.
“Guam deserves to keep moving forward. Forward with leadership that understands crisis and opportunity. Forward with leadership that has already done the hardest work. Josh Tenorio has carried that responsibility,” she said.
She described Tenorio’s leadership as steady and disciplined, adding that he leads with a “working-class heart.” mbj
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