Lolo Matalasi Moliga

Early life and education

Moliga was born in Ta'u, Manu'a, American Samoa. His father was High Chief Moliga Sa'ena Auauna Moliga, who was from Ta'u. His mother, Soali’i Galea’i, was a native of both Fitiuta and Olosega. He attended Papatea Junior Elementary and attended Samoana High School before graduating from Manu'a High School. Moliga holds a bachelor's degree in education from Chadron State College in the U.S. state of Nebraska. He received a master's degree in public administration from San Diego State University on July 30, 2012.

Career

Moliga began his career as a teacher. He then became an elementary school principal before becoming the principal of Manu'a High School in the Manu'a Islands. He would later become an elementary and secondary education administrator within the American Samoan Department of Education. He also served as director of the ASG Budget Office, as well as American Samoa's chief procurement officer for two terms. Outside of public office, Moliga owns a construction firm.

Political career

Moliga was elected to the American Samoa House of Representatives for four terms. He later became a Senator within the American Samoa Senate, where he served as the body's senate president from 2005 until 2008. Moliga, while still a member of the Senate, considered a candidacy in the 2008 gubernatorial election, but withdrew from the race before announcing a potential running mate citing existing commitments.

Moliga was appointed as president of the Development Bank of American Samoa by Governor Togiola Tulafono and confirmed by the Senate.

2012 gubernatorial election

In October 2011, Moliga became the second candidate to declare his intention to run in the 2012 gubernatorial election. He chose Senator Lemanu Peleti Mauga as his running mate for Lieutenant Governor of American Samoa. Mauga, a retired member of the U.S. Army, served as the chairman of both the Budget and Appropriations Committee and the Senate Homeland Security Committee in the American Samoan Senate.

Moliga resigned as the president of the Development Bank of American Samoa (DBAS) to focus on his gubernatorial campaign.

Moliga faced five other candidates in the 2012 gubernatorial election on November 6, 2012 and received the most votes, but not more than the 50% required to win. The runoff was held November 20, 2012, resulting in Moliga defeating Lieutenant Governor Faoa Aitofele Sunia.

2016 gubernatorial election

Moliga won re-election on November 8, 2016 with 60.2% of the vote, defeating Faoa Aitofele Sunia and Tuika Tuika.