The current political climate in Guam is ever-changing and unique in its structure. The island first became a United States territory in 1898. At this time, it was placed under the authority of the US Navy. In 1950, the Guam Organic Act granted the people of Guam US citizenship. This act also allowed jurisdiction to be transferred to the Department of the Interior. The first elections were held for governor in 1970, which led to where Guam is today.
Guam’s political affairs have remained inconsistent over the years. The current Governor of Guam is Lourdes “Lou” Aflague Leon Guerrero. She is Guam’s ninth governor and the first woman to lead this territory. Governor Leon Guerrero is well known for how she handled the COVID-19 crisis. At the same time, she also managed the outbreak of dengue and has lowered the island’s deficit from $83 million to $1.5 million. Dengue is a viral infection that spreads from mosquitoes and, on occasion, can be fatal. Balancing so many tasks is something that made the governor stand out.
Guam is currently known as an “unincorporated territory of the United States.” As of 2025, the people of Guam are still unable to participate in presidential elections. They cannot elect members to the US Congress. If a law is passed in Guam, Congress reserves the right to overturn it. Generally, the island is seen as not being on a track toward statehood, but political rights for Guam are being fought for daily. The fight for decolonization is one that has been ongoing for years. For example, complaints about the unfair treatment of the CHamoru people by the US have been submitted to the United Nations. The fight especially focuses on the US military expanding and taking the natural beauty and resources from Guam.
Working towards self-determination and allowing stronger human rights is one of the most active fights occurring on the island. “Is it good enough for Guam’s children and grandchildren that their future is being shaped by others?” was a question asked by Guam’s Commission on Decolonization. The ability to choose its own status is wanted for Guam by its people. Its citizens are also putting pressure on the US to honor its obligations to the island.
Gaining independence takes resources, but luckily, Guam was able to find a way to support itself. The limited resources and limited land make Guam a perfect place to gain profit from tourism, generating $1.4 billion in 2020. This money was used for the economy and produced around 18,000 jobs. The amount made from tourism is 60% of Guam’s annual income, and the island is working to ensure these numbers are raised over time. It is important for them to promote CHamoru culture through tourism as well, as the culture of Guam is a large part of the attraction for tourism. The economy of the territory is one of its biggest saviors, as it grants them opportunities to build their own influence and boost the island.
When discussing its international affairs, it is important to note that Guam does not have a seat in major international organizations, an example being the United Nations. The island also lacks the ability to enter into treaties with other nations. This puts Guam in an international box, unable to do much with its relations. To the world, Guam is a part of the US, but US domestic law states otherwise. The results of this are that Guam is affected by most international choices made by the US. One example is Guam’s location, as it is used as a US military hotspot during times of war.
Guam’s political climate is one that is stuck in limbo. Unable to act yet, recently gaining more rights, the people of Guam are working every day for more. Continued access to abortion after a long back-and-forth in court was a huge step. Another was the legalization of cannabis for adults 21 and over. With their sights set on decolonization, Guam and its people are tackling the long fight it takes to obtain this. To both the United States and the rest of the world, Guam is still working to be seen, but is making progress.
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