Last Updated on November 8, 2022
For the first time in nearly 30 years, Guam has reportedly elected a Republican as its non-voting U.S. Congressional delegate on Tuesday. James Moylan, a senator in the island’s legislature, defeated Democrat Judith Won Pat by 1,648 votes out of 32,502 votes cast, according to the Pacific Daily News.
With the reported victory, Moylan is set to become the first Republican elected to the position since 1993. He will be just the second Republican to hold the seat since it was created in 1972, the outlet reported.
The U.S. territory, which is located in the western Pacific Ocean, was the first midterm contest to be called on Tuesday. While Moylan will not have voting power, some election experts are hoping the flip is a sign of a good night for the GOP.
The news was not all great for Republicans, however, as Democrats are projected to hold control of the island’s legislature. Democratic Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero also beat Republican Felix Camacho, who served as governor of the territory from 2003 to 2011, Fox News reported.
BREAKING REPORT: Republican Wins Guam Congressional Delegate Race for FIRST TIME Since 1990…
— Chuck Callesto (@ChuckCallesto) November 8, 2022
Currently, other than Guam, there are four House delegates representing the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Delegates are not able to vote on the House floor, though they are able to able to introduce legislation and make amendments to legislation.
They are unable to vote on the final passage of any legislation, although they can vote on them in separate committees, according to the U.S. House website.
In the continental U.S., Florida Governor Ron DeSantis cruised to re-election against Democrat challenger Charlie Crist. Senator Marco Rubio also held on to his seat with ease, as the race was called within an hour despite significant fundraising from his opponent, Val Demmings.
Republicans are widely expected to maintain control of the house, though the Senate is largely viewed as a toss-up.
