BRANDON VERA ENTERS GUAM POLITICS

By Patrick Lujan

Retired MMA superstar Brandon ‘The Truth’ Vera has entered the political cage and will be fighting for the People of Guam!

The 48-year-old Yigo resident has had his sights on the greater good of his community. As a former UFC star and eventual One FC heavyweight champion who retired from MMA in 2022, Vera has made Guam his home along with wife Jessica and son Atreyu. Knowing for some time now that he will venture into the local political world, Vera made it official on Saturday on his social media accounts that he will be running for Senator of the 39th Guam Legislature.

When I retired from the lifestyle of ufc onechampionship I knew I wasn’t done fighting….
.
Officially Coming out of #retirement for this fight to get into #senate
.
-Become the change you want to see.

‘The Truth’ answered some of GSPN’s questions as he begins his quest to represent Guam politically.

GSPN: Republican, Democrats, Independent? And why?

VERA: I am running as a Republican because I have always espoused more conservative views. I’m a big supporter of law enforcement, of smaller government, of accountability and individual responsibility. I believe in the need for social programs like assistance with food and welfare, but I also believe there should be limits to these benefits. If someone is able-bodied, he/she should not be on welfare for all of their lives; rather, they should seek employment and contribute to our island community.

GSPN: Big decision to get into politics. When did you know, and why jump into Guam politics?

VERA: For me, it’s more about policy than politics. That being said, I’m jumping in to this arena, headfirst. Guam’s my home and where my wife Jessica and I are raising our son. I want to contribute to its growth and progress and I’m running, not only to bring about change to the way issues are dealt with but to break down the walls of bureaucracy.  I don’t just want to shake the tree, I want to release the fruits our people have been begging for.

GSPN: Care to share your platform and the changes you want to see?

VERA: For starters, I’ve been teaching martial arts as part of the standard curriculum at Mount Carmel Academy Charter School for the past 2 years. These children are Guam’s future generations of leaders, of teachers, doctors, lawyers and engineers. We have taught the importance of fitness, self-discipline and responsibility. Several of these students who lacked self-esteem and were below-average students are now competing in international BJJ tournaments and have improved exponentially in math and science and other classes. This is just one alternative to the abuse of crystal methamphetamine and heading into a life of crime.

I want to give our children a fighting chance. Not just physically, but academically. I want to ensure that we raise and maintain the standards of public schools and charter schools on Guam. I’m a Yigo resident and our village school, Simon Sanchez High hasn’t been able to get through all the political infighting while the students have to endure double session, traveling miles away, losing hope with every passing day. Excuse my French but this bulls..t. For us to get it together for them, we need to get together as a government, not for credit or photo ops but for real progress. That’s why I’m fighting in this arena.

GSPN: For a Guam voter who doesn’t know Brandon Vera the fighter, how do you explain to them your connection to Guam and how you are eligible to run for office here?

VERA: The eligibility part is simple because it’s based on how many years candidates have resided on Guam, minimum age requirement and other prerequisites of which I have met. For Guam voters, they don’t need to know Brandon “The Truth” Vera, the MMA fighter. Now, it’s Brandon Vera, the public servant bringing the truth to the Guam Congress Building. It’s a different arena and different type of battle but same fighting spirit and focus on winning. The big difference is, this victory is not mine. I’m fighting for every family, every child, everyone who calls Guam home.

GSPN: Politics is a whole different game from MMA. What similarities are you taking in the approach to running and what different angles, if any, will you take?

VERA: There are probably more similarities than most people realize. The campaign season is much like training camp as they both lead up to the big fight, the tournament or in this case, election day. During this time, there are experts who guide me, working to get me in to the best political shape of my life. The competition is fierce and everyone wants to win but some candidates, just like fighters, will go home without victory. Both MMA and running for elected office take discipline, focus and determination and I pride myself in out-preparing everyone. I have the greatest respect for all who have chosen to compete and serve. I’m ready for battle.

GSPN: Finally, you’ve taken the stance for gun ownership and support for President Trump. Will that carry through with you if you are voted into the 39th Guam Legislature?

VERA: I support the Constitution of the United States as I believe every current lawmaker and next group of Senators do as well. I support President Donald Trump and stand as a proud Veteran of the United States Air Force.

If I’m given the honor of being elected as a Senator in the Guam Legislature, I will serve the needs of every resident, regardless of political affiliation. I will prioritize the ones who need government leadership the most including our children, our disabled, and our manamko.

I will always debate with respect, even those who adamantly disagree with me. But I will not be apologetic in my approach.

Brandon Vera Quick Facts:

• Filipino-American, born and raised in Norfolk, Virginia
• Director, Martial Arts Program, Mount Carmel Academy Charter School
• MMA Fighter
• Action Film Star in the Philippines
• Owner, Alliance Training Center
• Inaugural ONE Heavyweight Champion
• 2005 WEC Heavyweight Grand Prix Champion