Ted S. Nelson

Theodore Sgambelluri Nelson (May 17, 1935 – February 10, 2025) was a Guamanian politician. A member of the Democratic Party of Guam, Nelson served as Vice Speaker of Guam Legislature^[1] and senator in the Guam Legislature for 6 terms.^[2]

Ted S. Nelson
Vice Speaker of the Guam Legislature
In office January 2, 1989 – January 7, 1991
Preceded by	Franklin J. Gutierrez
Succeeded by	John P. Aguon
Member of the 22nd and 23rd Guam Legislature
In office January 4, 1993 (1993-01-04) – January 6, 1997 (1997-01-06)
Member of the 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th Guam Legislature
In office January 3, 1983 (1983-01-03) – January 7, 1991 (1991-01-07)
Personal details
Born	Theodore Sgambelluri Nelson (1935-05-17)May 17, 1935
Died	February 10, 2025(2025-02-10) (aged 89)
Political party	Democratic Party of Guam
Spouse	Gloria Camacho Boria
Relations	Telena Nelson (granddaughter)
Children	5
Residence	Yigo, Guam
Alma mater	College of Guam (A.A.), Ohio State University (B.A.), University of New Mexico (M.A.)
Profession	Politician, educator

Background

Nelson was born on May 17, 1935, to Peter Flores Torres Nelson and Laura Sgambelluri. Nelson graduated from George Washington High School. He earned an Associate of Arts degree from the College of Guam, a bachelor's degree from Ohio State University, and a master's degree from the University of New Mexico.^[3]

He taught physical education at George Washington High School. He served as vice principal of George Washington Junior High School and later John F. Kennedy High School. He served as principal at George Washington Junior and Senior High Schools. He served as a special assistant under Governor Camacho and Governor Bordallo.^[3]

Nelson was married to Gloria Camacho Borja^[1] and had four children and one adopted daughter.

He was the paternal grandfather of Senator Telena Cruz Nelson.^[4]

Ted S. Nelson died on February 10, 2025, at the age of 89.^[5]

Arriola-Nelson Gubernatorial Ticket

In 1974, Joaquin C. "Kin" Arriola teamed up with Nelson in the Democratic Party of Guam Gubernatorial Primary. In the primary, Arriola-Nelson placed 4th against the teams of Ricardo Bordallo and Rudolph G. Sablan, Pedro C. Sanchez and Esteban U. Torres, and Manuel F.L. Guerrero and David D.L. Flores, with 1,254 votes.^[6]

Guam Constitutional Convention 1977

During the 1977 Guam Constitutional Convention, Nelson served as a delegate from Mongmong-Toto-Maite and secretary of the convention.^[3]

Guam Legislature

Elections

Election Year	Guam Legislature	Primary Placement	General Placement	Result
1978	15th Guam Legislature	2 (2nd District)	9 (2nd District)	Not elected[7]
1980	16th Guam Legislature	... (2nd District)	8 (2nd District)	Not elected[8]
1982	17th Guam Legislature	5	5	Elected[2][9]
1984	18th Guam Legislature	3	12	Elected[2][10]
1986	19th Guam Legislature	3	5	Elected[2][11]
1988	20th Guam Legislature	5	14	Elected[2][12]
1990	21st Guam Legislature	2	22	Not elected[13]
1992	22nd Guam Legislature	No primary election	21	Elected[2][14]
1994	23rd Guam Legislature	7	14	Elected[2][15]
1996	24th Guam Legislature	11	23	Not elected[16]
1998	25th Guam Legislature	No primary election	18	Not elected[17]
2000	26th Guam Legislature	No primary election	25	Not elected[17]
2002	27th Guam Legislature	11	23	Not elected[18]
2004	28th Guam Legislature	10	26	Not elected[19]

Leadership roles

Nelson served as vice president of the Association of Pacific Island Legislatures from January 1, 1995, to December 31, 1996.^[20]

See also

• Guam Legislature
• Democratic Party of Guam