Brief Chat: Aubry Hogog, unopposed and poised to rebuild a storm-battered island
By Bryan Manabat
Rota—Mayor Aubry Manglona Hocog is headed to the November election amid the island’s struggle to recover from massive devastation left by Super Typhoon Bavi.
She is running unopposed—a first in Rota’s political history—and is up for another term.
“Over the past four years, I have worked alongside my Cabinet, my amazing hardworking staff and the dedicated leaders of Rota to serve with integrity, transparency, respect and compassion,” she said.
“While we recognize that we cannot solve every challenge facing our island, we have worked hard to move important infrastructure projects forward and make progress despite the very limited resources available to us,” she added.
Hocog became the youngest person and the first woman ever elected mayor of Rota in 2022. Four years later, she is poised to continue governing the island— this time without a challenger.
Hocog, a Republican, won her first term at age 35, emerging from a crowded five‑way race with 505 votes, or 35 percent of the 1,445 ballots cast. Her victory marked a generational shift for the island, and her uncontested reelection bid underscores the confidence many residents say they have in her leadership style: steady, collaborative, and grounded in community.
“I am deeply humbled and honored to have been given the opportunity to continue serving the people of Rota,” she said in a statement. “Serving our people is one of the greatest honors of my life. I began this journey with a sincere desire to help our island and improve the lives of our people, and I remain grateful for the trust and confidence the people have placed in me.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Born on Guam and raised on Rota, Hocog is the daughter of George and Lucy Hocog and proudly identifies as a Gilita. Her path to public service began long before she entered politics.
After graduating with honors from Rota High School in 2004, she earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and history from the University of Guam in 2006. She later completed two master’s degrees in public administration and education and began doctoral studies in public policy and management at Walden University.
Her early career was spent in classrooms across the CNMI and Guam, teaching American government, U.S. history and other courses as an educator with the CNMI Public School System and as an adjunct instructor at Guam Community College and Northern Marianas College.
She later served as special assistant for programs and grants under former Rota Mayor Efraim Atalig, a role that introduced her to the administrative demands of municipal leadership.
ADVERTISEMENT
During her first term, Hocog said progress came through collaboration, not only within her administration but across agencies and islands. “Our progress would not have been possible without working together and maintaining a shared commitment to our community,” she said.
Hocog’s public service is intertwined with her family life. She shares a son, Logan, with her fiancé, Deron Mendiola, and said their support has been essential.
As she prepares for a second term, Hocog said her focus remains on listening to residents, strengthening partnerships, and continuing the work her administration began. “I know there is still much work to be done, but I remain committed to listening to our people, working together and doing everything within my ability to build a better Rota,” she said.
Subscribe to
our digital
monthly issue
