Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — (March 03, 2026) Congresswoman Uifa'atali Amata is running for reelection, in the upcoming 2026 American Samoa General Election, and said she will again be on the ballot as Aumua Amata, as she has for years.

She released the following statement:

"I want to start by thanking the Lord for the opportunity to be in public service. It is God alone who orders our steps, provides life itself, energy, and capacity. I am extremely grateful.

This year, I am running for reelection. I am humbly asking for your vote and support, and I pledge to run and work like it's my first time. I am deeply blessed to serve as your Congresswoman, and I never take for granted the trust you've placed in me. Whether you've voted for me every time I've run or this will be your first time considering a vote for me, I thank you for your votes and your prayers.

Together, we have earned both long-standing and recent good results. Near the top of that list is Medicaid. Beginning in fiscal year 2020, a bipartisan bill went into effect that historically increased our Medicaid federal support to 83 percent standard by statute. This is the highest rate in America, higher than any state, and only higher in times following declared disasters, such as Storm Gita.

Looking ahead, I am a cosponsor of the bipartisan Territories Health Equity Act to remove our Medicaid cap entirely to ensure it's never a future problem. Currently, we've increased our Medicaid allotment by tens of millions in recent years and our territory does not use our full Medicaid allotment.

I've served under three different Presidents and several House Speakers of both parties. My candidacy is never about them; it is about you, the people of American Samoa. The people of the United States select who is in charge in Washington, and it is my role to work with them for the good of American Samoa. The fact is, after the 2026 elections, President Trump will have two more years, including his Department of the Interior, and we'll continue our proven, effective practice of working with them on behalf of our islands.

In the House, I've made a practice of bipartisan collaboration, including being on delegations with the Democratic leader so I'm ready on day one of the next Congress no matter who has a narrow majority. In the years available of bipartisan records, based on co-sponsorships, I've always been in the top ten percent of the House in bipartisanship and usually much higher.

This year in Washington, we've seen a focus on fiscal discipline, yet we successfully protected the OIA American Samoa operations account and once again this year boosted that account for the seventh time since fiscal year 2018, nearly 1 million this year and 6.3 million yearly now in accumulated additions. Before these increases, we had many years of level funding.

Also at my special request, we expressed clear Congressional intent for the Governor to use $3 million of that $29 million for ASCC.

The new administration in 2025 started with our April 17, Flag Day announcement of an Executive Order to open traditional fishing grounds, a policy we've worked on for years.

For the past year, we've held a united front against seabed mining, while emphatically urging the federal government to keep activity at least 50 miles away, and federal departments are honoring our position. In hearings, we've publicly pressed for the administration to respect the territories and listen to our people, Fono, and Governor.

In the Veterans Affairs Committee, numerous VA reform efforts have passed as we work to modernize and improve responsiveness, care, records, services and better support for veterans wherever they are, including the Pacific Islands.

My passion is unwavering to continue to serve as a voice for the people of American Samoa, to urge U.S. commitment to the Pacific, and make sure we are not overlooked. I am more enthusiastic than ever about representing American Samoa, with a lifelong network that has often been effective for our people, along with considerable seniority in Congress, where seniority has an important role in committees and legislation.

In my first year in office, I set the tone for my decision making by hiring Army Col. Leafaina Tavai of Gataivai Village as Chief of Staff. Our team rows together and loves American Samoa. With your help, I will return to Washington in 2027, wearing the puletasi as I always have, so that American Samoa is never forgotten.

May the Lord guide your vote, and may God continue to bless American Samoa and the United States. Thank you.