Michael Cruz

Personal life

Cruz was born on September 8, 1958 where he raised in Agat, Guam by his parents Miguel de Gracia Cruz and Rosalinda Quinata. His father was Chamorro while his mother was Filipino.

He has three children from his first marriage: Shaunn, Mika’ele and Christine. Cruz is currently married to his second wife, Jennifer Rosario Cruz. The couple have one daughter, Taylor, as well as Rosario Cruz's son, Christian, from her previous relationship.

Cruz received a bachelor's degree in biology from Walla Walla College in Washington state. He obtained a Doctor of Medicine from Loma Linda University in California.

Military

Cruz is a Colonel in the Guam Army National Guard. He is a veteran of Operation Desert Storm. Cruz volunteered as a commander in the Rapid Advanced Medical Team during the Iraq War, serving from 2003 to 2004. He was a recipient of Bronze Star Medal for his tour of duty in Iraq.

Medical career

Cruz is a surgeon, and served as the Medical Director of the Guam Memorial Hospital. He is a member of the American Board of Surgery, and the American Society of Breast Surgeons, and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.

Political career

Cruz was elected as a Republican Senator in the 28th Guamanian Legislature from 2005 to 2006. He served on the legislature's Health and Human Services Committee, authoring legislation to combat childhood obesity in Guam.

He was elected Lieutenant Governor of Guam in November 2006 as the running mate of Governor Felix Perez Camacho. Cruz took office on January 1, 2007.

Cruz-Espaldon Campaign

Cruz declared his candidacy for the 2010 gubernatorial election and was a candidate in the September 2010 Republican primary. His running mate for Lt. Governor was Senator Jim Espaldon. Cruz was defeated by Eddie Baza Calvo in the Republican primary election on September 3, 2010.