James Espaldon

Espaldon was born on June 21, 1956[3] in the Philippines to Dr. Ernesto "Ernie" Mercader Espaldon (1927–2006)[3] who served as a senator for six terms in the 13th, 14th, 15th, 19th, 20th, 21st Guam Legislatures,[3][4] and Dr. Leticia Virata (1928–2020), an anesthesiologist. He is also the grandson of Cipriano Acuña Espaldon and Claudia Cadag Mercader.

Espaldon graduated from Father Duenas Memorial High School in 1975.[3] He received his bachelor's degree in business management from Menlo College in California.[1]

Espaldon has held jobs in the real estate, health care and retail industries during his early career.[1] He previously worked as an onion farmer on the island of Maui in Hawaii.[3] Espaldon then transitioned to retail management at ABC Stores in Hawaii before returning to Guam.[3] He worked in Guamanian real estate before becoming director for facilities services at a medical clinic.[3]

He obtained a Juris Doctor from Ohio Northern University Pettit College of Law in 2003.[1][3]

Espaldon worked as a law clerk for the Supreme Court of Guam under Judge Alberto C. Lamorena III prior to entering politics.[1] He joined the Guam bar association in September 2006.[3]

Espaldon was first elected as a senator in the Legislature of Guam the 29th Guam Legislature in November 2006.[1][3] He was sworn into office on January 1, 2007. Espaldon was re-elected to second term in November 2008 for the 30th Guam Legislature, serving until January 3, 2011.[1][3]

Lt. Governor Michael W. Cruz, a candidate for governor in the 2010 gubernatorial election, chose Espaldon as his running mate for the election.[1] The announcement was made at the Cruz-Espaldon headquarters in Piti on May 4, 2010.[4]

After placing fourth in the island-wide election, Espaldon was chosen by his colleagues in the 33rd Guam Legislature.

On February 25, 2015 Senator Espaldon introduced Bill No. 44-33 (COR) to add a new (h) to §5201 of 22 GCA relative to the use of an individual's credit history in the employment process.

In March 2015 Senators Espaldon, Rodriguez and Vice Speaker Cruz introduced Bill No. 54-33 (COR) to amend § 4301(b) of 4 GCA, Relative to the Calculation of Government of Guam Group Health Insurance Plan Employee Contributions.

Espaldon is married to a hairdresser Gilda Respicio Eay,[3] father to Christian James and Victoria, also an adoptive daughter to Jonte Perez De Leon who is married to SUP Shack Guam member Lad De Leon. He also has two adopted granddaughters Gabrielle "Gabby" and Mylee de Leon and one grandson Landon.[1]