In the 2024 general elections, Senator Salvador “Sadoi” Tellames was elected to the Twelfth Olbiil Era Kelulau. This is his second term as second term as Senator following his winning of the December 13, 2022 special election, due to the passing of then Senator Regis Akitaya. He was selected by his peers to head the Senate Committee on Housing Development (HD) and the Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Culture and Social Welfare (CSW) and is a member of several other Senate committees.
Senator Tellames was elected at large to the Koror State Legislature in 1989 and served for thirteen years and four terms; from 1992 to 2001 he was selected by his peers to serve as Speaker of the Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Koror State Legislatures.
In addition to his work as an elected leader, Senator Tellames was employed by the Ministry of State of the Republic of Palau from 1976 to 2008. From 1976-1998, he worked as a reporter for Ngerel Belau under the Division of Public Affairs, and from 1997-2007 he served as the Manager of Eco Paradise FM. From 2000-2008 Senator Tellames also served as the Director of the Bureau of Domestic Affairs, until his retirement in 2008. Senator Tellames has also held chairmanships and memberships in state and national government boards and commissions; as a member of the Judicial Nominating Commission from 1994 to 2020; as a Board Member of the Koror State Public Lands Authority from 2008 to 2011 and Chairman from 2010 to 2011; and as Chairman of Koror State Planning Commission from 2005 to 2008. Senator Tellames also served as the President of the Palau Community Action Agency from 1989 to 2009, and as the Chairman of the Emmaus High School Parents Teachers Association from 1998 to 2003.
Senator Tellames attended two years at Emmaus High School and graduated from Mindzenty High School. After completing his secondary education, Senator Tellames attended Hawaii Pacific College.
Senator Salvador “Sadoi” Tellames has three sons, a daughter and nine grandchildren, and is married to Esther Tmakeyung of Ngaraard State.