Runoff rivals appeal to Camacho-DLG voters after no-endorsement decision

The two remaining gubernatorial tickets are seeking to win over supporters of Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho and Edith E. Deleon Guerrero after the former candidates announced they would not endorse either side in the Nov. 20 runoff, a decision that has also drawn mixed reactions on social media.

Independent candidates Rep. Blas Jonathan “BJ” T. Attao and House Speaker Edmund S. Villagomez made a direct appeal to the 1,537 voters who supported Camacho and Deleon Guerrero in the Nov. 3 general elections, while Republican candidates former governor Ralph DLG. Torres and Benjamin M. Jones Jr. emphasized their economic recovery agenda and urged voters to examine the remaining candidates' records and proposals.

Camacho and Deleon Guerrero said they reached their decision after meeting with their committee-to-elect, stressing that their supporters should independently decide who deserves their votes.

“The votes that were entrusted to our campaign belong to you. They are not ours to give away, trade, or direct toward another candidate,” they said.

Attao and Villagomez welcomed the decision and thanked their former rivals for conducting a campaign rooted in integrity and public service.

“We respect the decision of Dr. Camacho and former senator Deleon Guerrero,” Attao said.

In a joint message specifically addressing the Camacho-Deleon Guerrero supporters, Attao and Villagomez acknowledged that their votes would have to be earned.

“We know your vote is not something anyone is owed. It must be earned, and we ask for the opportunity to earn it,” they said.

The independent tandem also appealed to Republican voters, saying the runoff should be decided by which candidates can deliver transparent and accountable government rather than by party affiliations.

Torres and Jones, meanwhile, likewise expressed respect for Camacho and Deleon Guerrero's decision, saying their campaign raised important questions about the Commonwealth's future.

“We acknowledge and respect their decision not to endorse either ticket in the Nov. 20 gubernatorial runoff election,” the Republican tandem said in a Nov. 8 statement.

The former governor and his running mate said the issues raised by Camacho and Deleon Guerrero, including affordable utilities, responsible financial management, and opportunities for local families, remain pressing challenges.

They reiterated their plans to revive tourism, attract investments, support local businesses, and create jobs.

The Republican candidates also highlighted their commitments to restore the regular 80-hour biweekly work schedule for government employees, return public school students to five full days of classes each week, and restore full pension benefits for retirees.

“Are our families better off today than they were four years ago?” they asked.

The decision not to endorse either ticket, however, drew criticism from social media commenter Rob Exley, who argued that Camacho and Deleon Guerrero could have used their political influence to secure policy commitments benefiting their supporters.

“I am disappointed by your decision not to endorse a candidate. Your supporters did not vote for you simply to be told to follow their hearts. They voted because they believed you understood what was in their hearts,” Exley wrote.

Exley suggested that Camacho should negotiate with Attao and Villagomez for meaningful commitments and a role in shaping the next administration rather than surrender the influence gained from the general election.

“By announcing your neutrality, you may have surrendered your greatest bargaining power,” he wrote.

Other residents, however, supported the former candidates' decision to remain neutral.

Angel Hocog urged respect for individual choices, saying, “Respect the decision of every voter, as each choice should be made based on individual beliefs and values.”

Malia Loi Seyer similarly welcomed the announcement.

“Smart choice, they choose being neutral/ impartial and I respect that,” she wrote.

Loretta Stenglien also defended the former candidates, saying, “They're not sore losers. They want the voters to choose”

Camacho and Deleon Guerrero, who were eliminated from the gubernatorial race in the general election, have encouraged their supporters to examine the remaining candidates' records, promises, and plans before deciding whom to support in the runoff.