Lieutenant Governor of Guam. Before executing the powers as the Governor of Guam, the governor must take an oath of office: In line with traditional oath-takings, governors have traditionally palmed a Bible and have added, "So help me God!" at the end of their oaths. The Governor of Guam is sworn in by the Chief Justice of Guam. Succession Tenure and term limits The Governor of Guam is only limited two terms as prescribed in the Elective Governors Act: No person who has been elected Governor for two full successive terms shall again be eligible to hold that office until one full term has intervened. The term of the elected Governor and Lieutenant Governor shall commence on the first Monday of January following the date of election. However, a former governor can be re-elected once again only after a full term has passed. History Spanish era In 1565, Miguel López de Legazpi formally declared Spanish sovereignty over the Mariana Islands. However, there was no permanent Spanish presence on the island and it was ruled from the Philippines as part of the Spanish East Indies by the Governor-General of the Philippines. Diego Luis de San Vitores established a mission on Guam in 1668, but Francisco de Irrisari was the first person to take the title "Governor" in June 1676, amidst the Spanish-Chamorro Wars. Antonio de Saravia, who arrived in June 1681, was the first to receive his appointment as governor from the Spanish throne, meaning that, technically, he was no longer subordinate to rule from the Philippines or Mexico. American capture of the territory (1898) Political instability (1898–1899) American Naval governors (1899–1941) Japanese military governors (1941–1944) American military governors (1944–1949) Appointed civilian governors (1949–1971) Elected governors (1971–present) See also List of governors of the Spanish Mariana Islands List of governors of the Northern Mariana Islands First ladies and gentlemen of Guam References External links Office of the Governor Guam Governor Politics of Guam