Republican Speaker Frank Blas Jr. has officially confirmed that his running mate for the upcoming gubernatorial election will be Mary Okada, the retiring president of Guam Community College. Blas, who announced his gubernatorial candidacy in July 2025, shared this news with the Pacific Daily News on Saturday. He indicated that an official announcement event is scheduled for 4 p.m. on January 20, 2025, at the Crowne Plaza Resort Guam, encouraging community members to attend and engage with the candidates.
The Blas-Okada ticket will contend in the August primaries against fellow Republicans Vice Speaker Tina Muña-Barnes and her running mate EJ Calvo. On the Democratic side, the race features Lt. Gov. Josh Tenorio paired with Sen. Tina Muña-Barnes, who will face off against Sen. Joe San Agustin and former senator Dwayne San Nicolas.
Mary Okada’s Background and Contributions
Mary Okada has made significant contributions to education in Guam, notably becoming the first female president and chief executive officer of Guam Community College in June 2007. Her tenure saw her in various financial roles, including vice president of financial affairs, controller, and general accounting supervisor. Under her leadership, the college focused on enhancing career and technical education opportunities for students in Guam and Micronesia.
In recognition of her efforts, President Barack Obama appointed Okada to the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in 2014. She has also been an active participant in multiple higher education organizations, advocating for educational policies that support the development and growth of vocational training programs.
Blas, currently serving his seventh term as a senator and a former police officer, has remained tight-lipped about further details regarding his campaign strategy and vision. He is keen on fostering dialogue with the public, indicating his desire to address community concerns during the upcoming announcement event.
As the political landscape in Guam heats up, the Blas-Okada gubernatorial ticket aims to position itself as a formidable contender, while the opposition races prepare to solidify their platforms ahead of the primaries. The engagement of experienced candidates like Okada adds depth to the electoral competition, promising a dynamic political season ahead.
