Gullas succeeds his older brother, former Deputy Speaker Eduardo Gullas, who has served three terms in the House of Representatives.
Jose Gullas, the long-time executive vice president of the University of the Visayas, garnered 71,468 votes to claim the victory. His nearest rival got 61,115 votes.
"The Gullases have no other interest in the first district except to serve its constituents," Gullas said after he was proclaimed the first district’s congressman-elect. "We just want to serve the people"
Cebu’s first district is comprised of the newly created city of Talisay, and the southern towns of Minglanilla, Naga, San Fernando, Carcar and Sibonga.
Former Rep. Eduardo Gullas was also proclaimed last week as the first mayor-elect of Talisay City.
Jose Gullas, who had been a journalist and educator but is holding public office for the first time, said he is ready to face this new chapter of his life.
He said his priority is to continue the unfinished projects of his brother and to attend to the immediate needs and problems of his constituents.