Samana Semo Ve’ave’a, a candidate for American Samoa’s seat in the United States House of Representatives, died suddenly on October 19, 2026, 15 days before the November 3 election. He was 77.
Ve’ave’a, a retired US Army sergeant major, served as director of the Department of Homeland Security during the Lemanu–La’apui administration and as director of the Department of Parks and Recreation during the Togiola–Faoa administration, according to Samoa News. He also served on the boards of the Development Bank of American Samoa and the Boys & Girls Club of American Samoa.
After retiring from the Army, he spent many years as a senior JROTC instructor at Leone and Tafuna high schools. Talanei reported that he was a driving force behind the law giving Department of Homeland Security agents restricted arrest power in drug trafficking and human smuggling cases. The department shared a video tribute remembering its former director.
His sister, Eseta Samana Sataua, told KHJ News that his death came as a shock to the family. “My brother was a good and kind hearted person,” she said. Ve’ave’a was the eldest of 11 children. Sataua said she had tried to talk him out of running because he had retired and, at 77, should be enjoying his retirement, but he told her several issues had prompted him to enter the race.
A campaign focused on drugs, schools, and healthcare
Ve’ave’a announced his candidacy in March. “After more than 30 years of service as a retired Sergeant Major in the United States Army and serving as American Samoa Director of Homeland Security, I have dedicated my life to protecting our nation and serving our people,” he said.
His campaign focused on restoring safety and security, strengthening education, and prioritizing healthcare and well-being. “Today, our communities face serious challenges,” he said. “Illegal drugs are threatening our families, our schools need stronger support to prepare our children for the future, and our healthcare system must be strengthened so every family receives the care they deserve.”
Drugs were central to his message. “As a former director, I’ve seen the impact of the drug crisis in American Samoa and the urgency of addressing it with real solutions,” he wrote on Facebook on March 19. In the same post, he said he stood for “fair immigration policies” and pledged to protect “our culture, fa’asamoa.”
He was campaigning in his village of Leone and across the territory, appearing at many community events, Talanei reported. When he launched his campaign, he asked voters for their support: “Together, we can build a stronger future for our people and ensure that our children have the opportunities they deserve.”
The race
Ve’ave’a was one of five candidates challenging Delegate Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen (R) for American Samoa’s nonvoting seat in the US House. American Samoa’s elections are nonpartisan, and party labels do not appear on the ballot.
Aarav Pinge contributed to this report.
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