Ginger Cruz

Ginger Cruz (Democratic Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent Guam's At-Large Congressional District. She lost in the general election on November 5, 2024.

Cruz completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Ginger Cruz earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1986 and a master's degree in public policy from John Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies in 2009. Her career experience includes working as a news reporter, as a Deputy Inspector General for the Iraq Reconstruction Management Office, as an adjunct professor at the University of Guam, and as founder and CEO of Mantid International.^[1]

Elections

2024

Guam's At-Large Congressional District election, 2024 (August 3 Democratic primary)

Guam's At-Large Congressional District election, 2024 (August 3 Republican primary)

General election

General election for U.S. House Guam At-large District

Incumbent James Moylan defeated Ginger Cruz in the general election for U.S. House Guam At-large District on November 5, 2024.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	James Moylan (R)	52.7	15,573
	Ginger Cruz (D)	46.8	13,829
	Other/Write-in votes	0.5	149

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 29,551
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Guam At-large District

Ginger Cruz defeated Amanda Shelton and Michael F.Q. San Nicolas in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Guam At-large District on August 3, 2024.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Ginger Cruz	40.7	5,163
	Amanda Shelton	33.9	4,301
	Michael F.Q. San Nicolas	25.1	3,189
	Other/Write-in votes	0.3	35

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 12,688
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Guam At-large District

Incumbent James Moylan advanced from the Republican primary for U.S. House Guam At-large District on August 3, 2024.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	James Moylan	99.0	3,987
	Other/Write-in votes	1.0	39

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 4,026
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Cruz in this election.

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

Ginger Cruz completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Cruz's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Ginger Cruz is experienced, credible, and confident. She is a lifetime member of the Council on Foreign Relations, a former Deputy Inspector General with oversight of Iraq reconstruction, where she held the civilian equivalent rank of a two-star general, and a successful private sector CEO in the defense industry, working to maximize local community content for large federal programs.

Ginger has implemented policy within the executive branch of the federal government and influenced it in the Congress. She has worked with the Secretaries of State and Defense, and eight committees in both the House and Senate.

Ginger is the daughter of a DPW surveyor and a DOE teacher, raised in Dededo and a proud graduate of Guam’s public and private schools. Everything she learned growing up in Guam has contributed to her success and is what drives her to give back and make a difference.

When she came home from college, her groundbreaking work in Guam media and her growth into policy and communications with two of the most successful administrations in Guam history - Gov. Joe Ada and Gov. Carl Gutierrez – were the basis on which she expanded her knowledge and experience.

Returning home once again in 2019, Ginger taught Foreign Policy at the University of Guam, worked to promote local small businesses and help people benefit from the massive federal investment occurring in the region, and championed efforts to finally move power lines underground with federal help.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Ginger Cruz is running for Congress because the stakes have never been higher. When Guam transitioned away from Naval Rule in 1949, it was placed under the Department of the Interior. It’s 2024, and Guam is at the center of the U.S. national security strategy and a keystone of deterrence in a growing superpower competition. And while we are taking on more of the burden of a growing military presence, Guam is on the sidelines of U.S. efforts to expand prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. It is past time for Guam to seek a revision and strengthen its position as America in the Indo-Pacific by elevating Guam's oversight from Interior to the White House.
With the military hardening defenses to protect its personnel and infrastructure, Guam is behind the curve obtaining federal resources and attention to protect the people of Guam “outside the fence”. We must strengthen our National Guard and Homeland Security – not with more studies, but with funding and concrete federal support. Water security must be a top priority. Guam's National Guard needs the flexibility to reorganize and train to defend Guam, given today’s military posture in the Pacific. It should receive dedicated funding and a local training facility, like other states. Our Homeland Security and Civil Defense need support and resources to expand public awareness and preparedness for both natural and manmade disasters.
Guam can use its unincorporated territorial status as a blank slate rather than a barrier, leveraging our unique identity to create opportunities for much needed solutions. Now is the time to ensure that the military build-up is good for Guam – that our schools are improved, our infrastructure is stronger, our healthcare is better, and crime rates are brought down by shutting down the importation of drugs. We are the only ones who can leverage our value to build a better future for our people. We cannot expect others to do it for us. We must be the agents of our own change.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Ginger is a strong advocate for women's reproductive health rights, and ensuring contraception remains legal and available. She believes that civic engagement must be elevated in schools to teach future generations the value of productive debate, compromise and respect. Ginger believes that protection, enhancement and revitalization of the environment is a key public responsibility. And she believes that improved collaboration between the public and private sectors is the key to economic development. The public sector should be both an enabler and an overseer of private sector initiatives allowing private capitol to improve lives while protecting the public good.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Foremost is a genuine love for Guam and its residents, demonstrating unwavering commitment to enhancing the quality of life for everyone. This is what must drive the policies that prioritize our safety, well-being, health, and prosperity.

Also key is understanding and respecting Guam's unique political status as an unincorporated U.S. territory. Any elected official from Guam must navigate the complexities of this relationship, advocating for the island's interests at both local and federal levels, striving for greater political empowerment and ensuring Guam's voice is heard and respected while also holding sacred the responsibility as Americans, to promote, protect and defend the nation.

Protection and promotion of the environment are critical. Guam's natural beauty is a precious resource requiring vigilant safeguarding. Elected officials should champion environmental protection, sustainable development, and conservation efforts. Cultural preservation and promotion are equally important. Guam's rich cultural heritage, rooted in CHamoru traditions, must be upheld.

Integrity and accountability are also fundamental. Trustworthiness and transparency are crucial for building public trust. Elected officials must manage public resources responsibly, make ethical decisions, and be open to scrutiny, ensuring actions align with the best interests of the community.

Commitment to social equity and justice is vital. An elected official should strive for a fair and just society, addressing social inequalities, ensuring equal opportunities, and protecting the rights of marginalized groups.

Throughout, a good elected leader has Vision and collaborates across the aisle with public and private sector and civil society to address complex issues and implement successful initiatives.

By embodying these principles, an elected official in Guam can truly serve the island and its people, ensuring a thriving, resilient, and culturally vibrant future.

What legacy would you like to leave?

As I face the prospect of turning 60 years old next year, I look back at a lifetime of accomplishments seeking to find the most important thing I can do with my life to give back to the island that is my home.

The journey that got me here has been long and winding filled with personal and professional achievements, challenges, and lessons. It has taken me deep into the villages, out on the sparkling ocean, and all the way to Washingon and back. Each experience has shaped me and my understanding of the world, deepening my gratitude for the opportunities I have had.

And now, at this point in life, I know that the true measure of a life well-lived is not personal success, but in the impact I can have on others and on this island we call home.

Some people give back in social work, or save lives practicing medicine. Others are chefs who bring joy to their diners, or farmers who grow fruits and vegetables that sustain us. Some are craftsmen and women who keep our culture alive through their art.

The skill sets and value that I can bring are in the area of public policy. I have dedicated my life to learning and practicing public policy.

Public policy, when done well - strengthened with love for those that you serve, creativity to help get around roadblocks, and persistence to keep you on track until you achieve results - is something that I aspire to be my legacy to Guam and our people.

As I embark on this next chapter, I am filled with a sense of purpose and hope. I am committed to using my experience and knowledge to make a meaningful difference, contributing to a better island and a peaceful world through the power of thoughtful and compassionate public policy.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

I remember my mom and dad in January of 1971, taking me to the Plaza de Espana in the center of Guam to attend the celebrations that were part of the swearing in of Guam's very first elected Governor, Carlos G. Camacho. I was five years old.

I think that was what first triggered my interest in government and governance. Throughout my younger years I would often choose essay topics that were related to government or international relations and that fascination only continued to grow over time.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I worked as a legislative budget analyst my first summer back home from college under local Senator Franklin Gutierrez. Getting on the plane to fly home after my first year in college, I ran into Speaker Carl T.C. Gutierrez. He asked was I was planning on doing - when I responded getting my tan back and seeing friends and family - he corrected me and told me to show up at the Guam Legislature that next Monday. I did and it was my first introduction to politics. That has not left me since.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

I believe Guam's constituents will significantly benefit from a Congressional representative with a strong background in the federal government system. A deep understanding of federal processes, institutions, and regulations enables a delegate to navigate the complexities of legislation more effectively, advocating for policies that directly benefit the island.

A combination of local and federal background and a lifetime of contacts throughout Washington D.C. will equip a delegate with the tools and connections to devise creative and successful policy initiatives.

In the case of Guam, the needs include not just drafting laws or amendments, but extends to an understanding of the federal regulatory environment where so many policy decisions are made in a vacuum because what works for states very often does not work for a territory thousands of miles away.

A strong familiarity with federal agencies and departments would ensure that a delegate could more effectively advocate for resources and support, benefiting schools, drug interdiction, healthcare facilities, and community programs.

Given Guam's unique non-voting delegate status, the understanding of how the federal government works will open new avenues previously unexplored, and will make available legislative and administrative avenues through which solutions can be pursued.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I trust the voters have the judgement to determine appropriate limits on public officials.

Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

I have always admired the work of Guam's greatest Congressional Delegates: Won Pat, Blaz, Underwood and Bordallo - each of whom brought dignity, passion and integrity to the position.

More than that, these are and were individuals who were bold and sought to be agents of change for the people of Guam.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Compromise is an essential component of a functioning Democracy. However, achieving compromise is becoming more challenging in today's polarized environment, where entrenched positions and populist rhetoric get in the way of negotiation.

Whether on Guam or on the mainland, evidence of the negative effect of fragmented information sources, biased opinion masquerading as fact, and online echo chambers makes the divisions even worse.

The irony is so much of the public that engages in these polarized debates and that is more and more intolerant of others' views... is the same public that decries the lack of progress in a government that is stalled in place due to the entrenched positions being taken in this hyper-polarized environment.

Critical thinking, empathy, respect are all areas that we have to consciously foster in current and future generations in Guam if we are to break this cycle and build more inclusive dialogue and deliberative democracy initiatives that will foster mutual understanding.

Leadership that models bipartisanship and prioritizes the common good can also inspire a broader culture of cooperation.

Compromise remains the cornerstone of democracy. It is essential for reconciling diverse interests, preventing tyranny, and promoting social cohesion and stability.

Only when we prioritize working together for good - Inafa'Maolek as we say in Guam - can our democratic society work towards a more just and harmonious future for all that live on our island.

What committees interest you?

Armed Services, Foreign Affairs and Natural Resources.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

As the former Deputy Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction, I have extensive experience related to the importance of transparency and accountability. Not only was that role one in which my office goal was to promote transparency and accountability over the $50 billion Iraq reconstruction program - it was also responsible for lessons learned that improved government economy, efficiency and effectiveness.

One of the primary roles of government is to allocate limited resources in a manner that maximizes the public good. Given the inherent scarcity of resources, it is impossible to meet everyone's needs no matter how just. Therefore, it is essential that the public understands how their elected leaders are prioritizing the available funding and support.

Transparency and accountability are foundational to fostering public trust in government. When Guam's residents are aware of how decisions are made, they are more likely to have confidence in the processes and outcomes.

Communication - both sharing information and listening to the public - is also critical in fostering a transparent government. Maintaining strong communication lines between stakeholders and elected officials is key to improving outcomes.

Likewise accountability is an essential foundation of good government. Officials must answer for their actions and decisions, ensuring that they adhere to legal and ethical standards.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

Campaign website

Cruz’s campaign website stated the following:

“

Critical Issues

Crime

So much of the crime we face is directly linked to the drug trade. And the drug trade is now being linked at the national level to the geopolitical players in the Pacific, which means Guam should have added support for increased interdiction.

To seriously fight crime we must stop drugs at our borders, invest in treatment and recovery, and harness the power of best practices and technology to reinforce our efforts. To fight crime more effectively, Ginger will

Initiate discussions with like-minded states and territories aimed at screening 100% of all incoming packages from sea and air. Federal agencies concur that a huge proportion of the drugs sold in Guam, and in the nation for that matter, arrives via the Postal service in domestic mail. Guam also relies heavily on the US Coast Guard to patrol our shores, and they are in need of increased support. 100% Screening for drugs will prevent crime before it starts and protect families from the pain of addiction.
Treat Drug Addiction. Ginger supports the expansion of drug treatment options on Guam. Leveraging existing provisions requiring Medicaid to cover drug treatment and expanding incentives for social workers, we can widen options for those who need help through partnerships with the private sector.
Leverage Technology & Training. Work with the Department of Justice and federal law enforcement agencies to increase the use of artificial intelligence and best practices nationwide to supplement our law enforcement efforts and improve effectiveness through training and inter-agency collaboration.

Veterans

The sacrifices of our veterans who risked their lives to protect our freedom deserve not only our respect, but also our unwavering support as they navigate life beyond the battlefield. It is past time to have the Veterans Administration establish an adjudication office and improved medical and mental health support programs in Guam.

As the hub of national security in the Western Pacific, Guam also must be the hub for our veterans and those from the CNMI and FAS. Imagine telling a New York veteran to get healthcare in Alaska – that is the 7-hour flight that our veterans are being asked to take, and it is not right.

By reallocating the proportion of Guam’s use from Hawaii to Guam and including the millions spent on airfare and lodging, the Veteran’s Administration will both save money and improve service by bringing services to where the veterans need it most – at home where their families and support networks live.

Environment

Ginger believes that protection, enhancement and revitalization of the environment is a key public responsibility. Environmental Impact needs results not more studies. We need to get down to discussions with the Federal Government that produce results. These plans will take years, but if we don’t start now, we will not get anywhere.

To start with, we need to collaborate to develop a substantial, multi-year fully-funded environmental remediation campaign — paid for by the U.S. government – as a concrete form of action to address the extensive and decades-long contamination of the island (sites both on and off base). This would include mitigating the PFAS contamination of our water and cleaning up all the recognized Superfund sites.

That is one concrete way to make amends for the ways in which this poison has upended the lives of our people. But it’s not just remediation – it is also about pursuing a vision of a vibrant environment that we must also set in motion, one that addresses invasive species, and protects the seas around us.

A well-funded brown tree snake suppression program that takes a whole of island approach is the only possible way we can ever hope to repatriate our endemic endangered birds before it is too late. We need to set a vision for an island that is reforested, snake free, and once again filled with the birdsong from Sihek, Ko’ko, and Aga. This will not happen without sustained financial support from federal and grant sources.

Our vision must also include dramatically increased funding and support from top scientists to help our local experts combat the rhino beetle. Serious R&D. Guam can solve this if we have enough funding and expertise. And we must also ensure continued protection of marine life that is so much a part of our identity.

Healthcare

We need to remove the cap on federal Medicaid dollars coming to Guam. This does not exist for any of the states. Because of our capped funding we are hampered in our ability to tackle long standing healthcare problems. Local dollars strain to cover more of what the federal government could.

By working on a long-term vision to lift the caps on Guam’s Medicaid, we can expand its use to better address homelessness and increase support to our most vulnerable women and babies who could qualify for 12 months of postpartum care. Only the U.S. Virgin Islands has taken up this option.

Beyond that, there needs to be a serious examination of federal public-private partnership incentives to address the need for capital to support Guam’s struggling hospital and regional health care centers.

Women’s Reproductive Health

When addressing matters concerning women's reproductive health, Ginger strongly advocates for a system where these life altering decisions are not made politicians, most of whom have no medical expertise, and a majority of whom are not women.

We must prioritize respect for individual responsibility and provide unwavering support for a woman's autonomy and ability to consult with her medical practitioner, family, and support network, ensuring that she can make decisions that align with her unique circumstances.

Moreover, in a society marked by remarkable scientific progress, Ginger emphasizes the importance of not only legalizing and ensuring access to contraception but also advancing research and development efforts aimed at enhancing contraceptive methods. This includes addressing a wide spectrum of women's health needs, such as making menstrual products affordable for those facing financial hardship and developing effective treatments for menopause.

Compact Impact

The impact of migration to Guam from Compact States is a creation of federal control over Guam. For the first time in decades, despite a Congressional Delegation last year that heard Guam’s case, the Congress failed to provide funds to mitigate the impact of its decisions – and the taxpayers of Guam are now left holding the bag.

That loss of funds hurts all of us – FAS migrants and Guam residents alike. That door has closed, so we need to find a new avenue to address this long-standing injustice. As American citizens we should have fair access and funding support that is available to all other Americans.

The most dramatic example of injustice is the provision of Supplemental Security Income – SSI – needed for our most vulnerable elderly and disabled. Everyone around us now receives this benefit – Hawaii, the CNMI, and the non-US citizens of the FAS who live in those jurisdictions. In this region, only Guam does not receive this funding. We must continue to press for inclusion of Guam in SSI benefits until we receive them.

Healthcare Workers

We also need to have the flexibility to recruit temporary health care professionals until we are able to build sufficient local capacity. Guam needs an immigration carve-out for special expedited visas for licensed health professionals willing to practice in Guam. If we can import thousands of foreign laborers to save our construction industry, we should be allowed to recruit dozens of health professionals to save lives.

Visa Waiver

The visa waiver program continues to be an essential component of Guam’s tourism industry. Expanding that to the Philippines is an effort that continues to garner support and with the U.S. looking at ways to strengthen its ties to Manila, support for this waiver makes good foreign policy. To mitigate concerns about program management, new technology can help supplement federal immigration staff to ensure the program maintains strong border control while at the same time encouraging diplomatic and economic gains

Federal Contracting

Billions in federal spending is being invested in Guam, but too many small businesses can’t compete against large federal contractors who have mastered the art of navigating federal bureaucracy.

Ginger will work with the Small Business Administration to require that federal contracts increase local employment and local small business partnerships.

She will also work on developing enhanced data gathering to support stronger enforcement of Guam tax collection from federal contractors and employees living and working on Guam.

Grant Center of Excellence

There are millions of dollars left on the table every year that Guam could be using but that go to waste. Two main things get in the way. First, we need more training and expertise on how to apply for grants. Secondly, we need more support for administering grants so that we keep that pipeline open.

Ginger will pursue federal support for the establishment of a Grant Center of Excellence that will support government and non-profit organizations throughout the grant process. And we are not only talking about federal grants, but private sector and international organization grants as well. The private sector will also be able to utilize the center for a fee, providing a source of income that will help sustain the program.

We will find avenues through DC to expand support to get this put in place for our government and especially our mayors who should be able to focus on the important work in their villages and not tied up for hours in front of a computer screen! ^[2]

”

—Ginger Cruz’s campaign website (2024)^[3]

Campaign finance summary

Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.

Ginger Cruz campaign contribution history
Year	Office	Status	Contributions	Expenditures
2024*	U.S. House Guam At-large District	Lost general	$529,388	$522,799
Grand total			$529,388	$522,799
Sources: OpenSecrets, Federal Elections Commission *This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
* Data from this year may not be complete