Ada set to announce bid for Guam governor, picks EJ Calvo as running mate

Anthony Ada Edward J, Calvo

By Pacific Island Times News Staff

Vice Speaker V. Anthony Ada will seek the Republican Party's nomination for governor in the 2026 election, with businessman Edward John Calvo as his running mate

According to a press release from the team, Ada and Calvo will formally announce their candidacy on Wednesday night at a private event at the Hyatt Regency Guam, before an audience of family, friends and supporters.

“We have heard the voices of our community, families struggling with the rising cost of living, the need to fix our only public hospital, the housing crisis, the rise in crime, and so many other challenges,” Ada said.

Ada is expected to race Speaker Frank Blas Jr.—who is predicted to run with Dr. Michael Cruz—in a Republican primary.

While he has yet to make an official announcement, Blas has confirmed his intention to run for governor.

Speculations are rife that Blas will join forces with Cruz, the adjutant general of the Guam National Guard and a former lieutenant governor. Blas neither confirmed nor denied the supposed team-up.

 According to the Ada–Calvo camp, Wednesday’s event will formally launch the campaign and mark the team as the first official gubernatorial ticket to enter the 2026 election cycle.

The Ada-Calvo campaign said the team will “focus on addressing the rising cost of living, restoring trust in government, strengthening families, and rebuilding the island’s economy.”

Ada has served six terms as a senator in the Guam Legislature. He has also held leadership roles in the government of Guam, including as director of the Department of Youth Affairs. 

A businessman whose family operates Ada’s Mortuary Services, Ada is also a

 U.S. Army veteran who proudly served his island and nation. Tony and his wife, Annette, are the proud parents of four children and two grandchildren.

“The Ada–Calvo campaign, and if the people so choose, our administration, will work to restore trust in government. EJ and I are committed to accountability, transparency, and real solutions that deliver for our people,” Ada said.

Calvo is a businessman who has worked across multiple industries, from wholesale to marketing, and previously served as chairman of the Board of the Guam Economic Development Authority.

A lifelong advocate for sports and youth, he currently serves as the Head Coach of the Guam National Basketball Team, representing Guam on the international stage. This is his first campaign for elected office. EJ and his wife, Jackie, are the proud parents of three children.

“I’m grateful to Tony Ada for believing in me and inviting me to be his partner in this mission to move Guam forward. Like so many of you, I remember when our island was thriving, when tourism was strong, our neighborhoods felt safer, and opportunities were within reach for more families,” Calvo said.

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