Candidate Profile: Oye Owolewa For Shadow DC Congressional Seat

WASHINGTON, DC — There are 29 candidates running for the D.C. City Council in the June 2 primary. In addition, candidates are running for the District's shadow seats U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.

Patch asked the candidates to describe their qualifications and visions for the District.

Oye Owolewa, 30, is a Democrat running in the June 2 Primary for the District's shadow seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Doctor of Pharmacy

Occupation

Pharmacist (2014 to present)

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner of District 8E01 (2019 to present)

Campaign website

oye4dc.com

What makes you the best candidate for this office?

I have the combination of the leadership experience, vision and energy to help bring DC past the finish line to statehood.

How will you help the city recover from the economic impact of the coronavirus?

I will fight to bring the resources we send to the federal government back to DC to fund local priorities.

Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, Mayor Muriel Bowser has talked about the longstanding inequities that have been exposed by the coronavirus. She also has talked about this being an opportunity for the city to address those inequities. What are your thoughts on this?

COVID-19 has highlighted the divide between the haves and have nots. As a commissioner in Ward 8, I've seen the impact of those who still have to go to work as they cannot telelwork, folks who are further disadvantaged by reduced public transportation and healthcare disparities. Marginalized communities need resources, time, legislation and equality. The COVID-19 pandemic has put a spotlight on these issues.

What do you see as the biggest issue besides the coronavirus recovery facing D.C.?

DC's lack of statehood is the biggest issue. The inequality of DC's lack of statehood impacts every aspect of life in DC.

What is your position on statehood for D.C.?

I 100% support DC statehood. Until DC statehood is achieved, I believe our federal income tax revenue (hundreds of millions of dollars) should be reinvested back to the District to fund local priorities.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

As an ANC commissioner, I fight to bring resources and equality to underserved communities. As your next US Representative, I'll do the same for DC residents

The best advice ever shared with me was:

"Be the best you, that's all you can do"

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

To learn more about me and the campaign (including TaxFreeDC), please visit oye4DC.com. Also, please follow me on Instragram (Oye4DC) and on facebook (Oye Owolewa). Thank you