Honorable Peter John Benavente

Mayor Peter John Salas Benavente, born and raised in the village of Dededo, the son of former Dededo Vice Mayor Andrew Peter "Daigo" Benavente and Janice Salas Benavente. He is married to Maribeth Balidio Benavente, and they are the proud parents of Zaine Peter and Zian John Benavente. Peter comes from a family with strong local ties, including his late grandparents Juan Guerrero Benavente, Estella Anderson Benavente, Pedro L.G. Salas, and Remedio Nededog Salas. He has three siblings: Joileen Renee Benavente, Dana Jean Benavente, and Tara Jaylene and Kevin Cruz.

Peter's education began at Maria Ulloa Elementary School, followed by Harmon Loop Elementary (now J.M. Guerrero Elementary School), and Dededo Middle School (now V.S.A. Benavente Middle School). He graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in 1998 and furthered his studies at the University of Guam.

Peter's career began at Cost U Less, where he worked from 1999 to 2019. He advanced to the role of Merchandise Manager and was a key member of the company's safety committee. Additionally, Peter served as the Inventory Management Officer at the Depatment of Public Works from November 2019 to February 2020, where he oversaw the security section. During his four years (2021-2024) as Vice Mayor of Dededo, Peter demonstrated strong leadership and a deep commitment to his community. He consistently prioritized active engagement with residents, ensuring their voices were heard and their needs addressed. Peter worked closely with local organizations, government agencies, and community partners to streamline the distribution of food and other essential resources, particularly during challenging times such as natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic. His efforts to improve food distribution helped ensure that residents, especially the most vulnerable, received the support they needed quickly and efficiently.

Peter played a key role in disaster response, working with first responders, emergency teams, and local agencies to coordinate aid for those affected by natural disasters. His efforts ensured timely delivery of resources, including medical supplies, food, and shelter. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Peter collaborated with government entities, public health organizations, and community groups to provide residents with essential health information, testing, and support services.

Peter’s proactive approach and collaborative spirit significantly strengthened community resilience during challenging times. His dedication to improving the quality of life in Dededo was evident through his tireless efforts. Beyond his professional work, Peter is deeply involved in his community, volunteering as a youth baseball coach, assisting with Special Olympics events, participating in coastal cleanups, and supporting vice mayoral duties alongside his father. He is committed to enhancing citizen engagement and fostering collaboration with local groups to address community needs. Peter’s vision is to empower residents and improve governmental responsiveness for a stronger, more connected Dededo.