Oye For DC

It's time for a safer, greener, more equitable DC

<h2>My Story</h2><h3>I am a proud child of immigrants, pharmacist, and current United States Representative of Washington, DC.</h3>Growing up in a Nigerian-immigrant household, I was exposed early on to professional careers and the duty to give back to the community. This parental guidance led me to earn my doctorate in pharmacy, in which I practice today.Starting in 2014, I began volunteering in DC elementary school classrooms, where I introduce children to STEM concepts through hands-on experiments. Following the urging of DC’s parents, community leaders and elected officials, I decided to run for office. In 2018, I successfully ran for Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner, winning my ANC 8E01 race by a single vote. As an ANC Commissioner in Ward 8, I expanded science enrichment volunteering programs into more schools, collaborated with Howard University’s School of Pharmacy to hold health fairs, secured tens of thousands of dollars of traffic safety equipment to improve street safety and helped a local tenant association drive out a slumlord.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/1f5ac31a-a7bc-4ee4-9c11-04cb15b53a23/148a89c3-45af-4c25-99c8-c5f36dfd4500/148a89c3-45af-4c25-99c8-c5f36dfd4500.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C1170%2C1421&amp;w=1500" alt="" title="" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="47" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">In 2019 I participated in a DC Statehood Lobbying Day where I joined a coalition to discuss statehood with members of Congress. This event jump-started my involvement in the fight for statehood, eventually leading me to successfully run for U.S. Representative. Upon my 2020 victory I became DC’s only elected healthcare worker, as well as America's first Nigerian American US Representative.Since assuming office in 2021, I have been singularly focused on helping DC become America’s 51st state. I have used my unique background to amplify the awareness of DC’s fight for statehood, helping to introduce DC statehood resolutions in state level legislative bodies and regularly engaging members of Congress about the importance of statehood.

Our Campaign’s Top Issues

For far too long, the District of Columbia has been denied the status of a state, depriving our residents of the rights and privileges that should be enjoyed by every American citizen. It is an injustice that we continue to pay federal income taxes while being denied a voice in Congress. As your advocate to Congress, I stand resolute in my commitment to securing full statehood with voting representation for the residents of Washington, D.C. It's time to make our voices heard.Granting Washington, D.C. the rights we deserve is not only a matter of justice but also critical for our community's safety, security, and prosperity. It means having full control over our local budget, implementing comprehensive policies and procedures, and making steadfast commitments to public health.&nbsp;Together, we can ensure that every voice in the District of Columbia resonates in the hallowed halls of Congress. It's time to rise above partisan politics and stand up to those who would deny us our rightful place as a state.

For far too long, the District of Columbia has been denied the status of a state, depriving our residents of the rights and privileges that should be enjoyed by every American citizen. It is an injustice that we continue to pay federal income taxes while being denied a voice in Congress. As your advocate to Congress, I stand resolute in my commitment to securing full statehood...

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DC Statehood Now!

Everyone deserves to live in a safe, healthy, and thriving community. This starts by providing economic opportunities for all DC residents, especially to those in our most marginalized and disinvested-in communities. Since 2021, I’ve worked to improve public safety by reducing barriers for DC’s justice-impacted residents, as well as by advocating for a comprehensive, community focused approach to keeping our communities safe.&nbsp;Reducing Gun Violence:&nbsp;As DC residents, we are accustomed to hearing about the rampant gun violence plaguing and devastating our communities. DC has long been a leader in gun control legislation, with some of our nation's strongest gun violence prevention measures. In the spirit of continuing in this tradition, I support innovative and effective violence reduction legislation that addresses the root cause of violence, such as expanding the Cure The Streets violence reduction program. I also support initiatives such as voluntary and anonymous gun buybacks, which reward residents for making good and safe choices, and reduce the risk of conflict when removing a firearm from our communities.Ending the War on Drugs:&nbsp;The War on Drugs is a policy failure that intentionally and disproportionately impacts Black and brown communities. We have made great strides with the passage of Initiative’s 71 and 81, and I support completing this work by fully legalizing the possession and sale of marijuana for adults so it can be regulated by our health authorities, similar to how alcohol is regulated.&nbsp;We must also push to immediately expunge the convictions of those convicted of marijuana possession or sale-related offenses, and provide adequate resources to ensure that our communities benefit from the presence of local businesses that specialize in the sale of marijuana products. I also support the full and immediate shift from criminalizing drug abuse of all types to treating drug abuse in a healthcare environment. With opioid deaths near an all time high in DC, now is the time to fully shift to strategies that are proven to reduce deaths and treat the serious health condition that is addiction. We must invest into strong and robust drug treatment programs to ensure that every DC resident can receive the essential healthcare necessary to overcome addiction and lead safe and healthy lives.Supporting Returning Citizens:&nbsp;Every individual deserves a second chance and the opportunity to rebuild their lives after paying their debt to society. I am committed to ensuring that returning citizens have the support and opportunities they need to successfully reintegrate into our communities. We advocate for increased funding and expanded access to reentry programs and services that provide returning citizens with education, job training, mental health support, and substance abuse treatment to address the root causes of their involvement in the criminal justice system. We also support "Ban the Box" initiatives to remove questions about criminal history from job applications, allowing returning citizens to be judged on their qualifications and skills rather than their past mistakes. We also support access to legal representation for returning citizens, ensuring their rights are protected and their reentry process is fair and just. Returning citizens have paid their debt to society and should have their rights fully restored upon release from incarceration.&nbsp;

Everyone deserves to live in a safe, healthy, and thriving community. This starts by providing economic opportunities for all DC residents, especially to those in our most marginalized and disinvested-in communities. Since 2021, I’ve worked to improve public safety by reducing barriers for DC’s justice-impacted residents, as well as by advocating for a comprehensive, community focused approach...

Public Safety

Before embarking on my political journey, I dedicated my career to serving our community as a pharmacist. As DC’s only elected healthcare worker, my unwavering belief is that every American should have access to universal and affordable healthcare.&nbsp;I am proud to chair the Healthcare Providers in Policy committee, which has endorsed the "Medicare 4 All" Resolution, championed by the DC Council. This bold initiative advocates for comprehensive healthcare coverage that leaves no one behind.Throughout the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, my dedication to the well-being of every D.C. resident shone through. I worked to ensure that essential vaccines and medications were within everyone's reach and in my role as a pharmacist I personally distributed 10,000 vaccines to local residents. I know firsthand how crucial it is that every D.C. resident can easily access affordable healthcare services when they need them most.

Before embarking on my political journey, I dedicated my career to serving our community as a pharmacist. As DC’s only elected healthcare worker, my unwavering belief is that every American should have access to universal and affordable healthcare...

Healthcare For All

Reproductive rights are fundamental to individual autonomy and bodily integrity. I unconditionally support the right to choose and will fight to protect and preserve that right.&nbsp;Access to Healthcare:&nbsp;I support policies that ensure access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare, including abortion services, for all individuals, regardless of income, race, or geographic location. I strongly oppose any and all barriers to abortion access, including restrictive laws and regulations that disproportionately affect marginalized communities. I will also ensure that reproductive healthcare policies are inclusive and sensitive to the needs of LGBTQ+ individuals.Protecting Those Who Seek Care:&nbsp;DC has historically been a safe haven for people seeking abortion services and reproductive healthcare. We are proud to continue in this tradition, and will support policies that ban any collaboration with prosecutors and law enforcement agencies who seek to prosecute people seeking abortion services and reproductive healthcare in DC. Our community will always be a sanctuary for those seeking care..Trusting Women:&nbsp;I trust women to make their own healthcare decisions and will oppose any attempts to interfere with those decisions, including mandatory waiting periods, unnecessary medical procedures, and undue restrictions.Fighting Discrimination:&nbsp;I will combat efforts to discriminate against healthcare providers who offer abortion services and protect their right to provide essential care to their patients. Education and Awareness:&nbsp;I believe in promoting accurate, evidence-based information about reproductive healthcare options and providing comprehensive sex education to reduce unintended pregnancies.Supporting Reproductive Justice:&nbsp;I recognize that reproductive justice encompasses not only the right to choose but also the right to have children, raise them in a safe environment, and access healthcare throughout and beyond pregnancy and childbirth.Protecting Clinics:&nbsp;I will take action to protect abortion clinics and healthcare providers from harassment, intimidation, and violence.Every person should have the freedom to make their own reproductive healthcare decisions without fear, stigma, or interference. I will stand up for reproductive justice and ensure that the right to choose is upheld and protected for all individuals.

Reproductive rights are fundamental to individual autonomy and bodily integrity. I unconditionally support the right to choose and will fight to protect and preserve that right. I support policies that ensure access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare, including abortion services, for all individuals, regardless of income, race, or geographic location...

Protecting Abortion Rights

A strong public education system is the bedrock of our society and the gateway to opportunity for every child. A product of public schools myself, I am dedicated to supporting public education and ensuring that every family has access to a quality education.&nbsp;Equitable and Robust Funding:&nbsp;I will fight for equitable and robust funding of public schools, addressing disparities and ensuring that every student, regardless of their zip code, has access to the resources they need for a well-rounded education. I support bold and robust investments into our public school system, as such investments are crucial to ensure that every child has access to a high quality education.Teachers and Educators:&nbsp;I recognize the vital role that educators play in shaping our future. I support providing teachers with fair wages, professional development, and all resources necessary to create innovative and engaging learning environments.Modernizing Facilities:&nbsp;I will advocate for investments in modern and safe school facilities to provide a conducive learning environment for all students. Our students do better when their learning environment is conducive to their needs.Early Childhood Education:&nbsp;I am proud to continue in DC’s tradition of providing strong early learning programs. I support expanding our existing pre-k program to guarantee universal access to pre-k education for all DC residents, and support the expansion of the Head Start program to all DC elementary schools. Research consistently supports unencumbered access to early childhood education, and we owe it to our youngest constituents to provide them with high quality, easily accessible early childhood education.&nbsp;Special Education and Inclusion:&nbsp;I am committed to providing adequate resources and support for students with special needs, promoting inclusive education that accommodates learning differences and disabilities.&nbsp;Broadening Curriculum:&nbsp;I will work to broaden our curriculums to include diverse perspectives, cultural competency, and critical thinking skills, preparing students for a rapidly changing world.Digital Equity:&nbsp;I will bridge the digital divide by ensuring that every student has access to the necessary technology and internet connectivity for remote learning and research.Parent and Community Engagement:&nbsp;I encourage active parent and community involvement in the education system, fostering a collaborative approach to student success.College Affordability:&nbsp;I support efforts to make higher education more affordable and accessible, including expanding financial aid programs, and studying a tuition free option for DC residents for our public community colleges as well as UDC.&nbsp;Our commitment to public education is rooted in the belief that every child deserves a fair shot at success, regardless of their background or circumstances. By strengthening our public education system, we can level the playing field, empower our students to reach their full potential, and build a brighter future for all.&nbsp;

A strong public education system is the bedrock of our society and the gateway to opportunity for every child. A product of public schools myself, I am dedicated to supporting public education and ensuring that every family has access to a quality education. I will fight for equitable and robust funding of public schools, addressing disparities and ensuring that every child...

Good Schools for Every Family

We have a unique opportunity to lead the way in tackling the urgent and interconnected challenges of climate change, economic inequality, and environmental justice.. That's why I am proud to champion a Green New Deal for Washington, D.C.Transforming&nbsp;Our Energy:&nbsp;We must work to transition our city to 100% clean, renewable energy sources. This means investing in solar and wind power and retrofitting buildings for energy efficiency. Our goal is not only to reduce our carbon footprint but also to create green jobs and stimulate economic growth.Environmental Justice:&nbsp;We must prioritize environmental justice by ensuring that vulnerable communities are at the forefront of our efforts. No one should bear the brunt of pollution and climate change unfairly. We will work to address disparities in access to clean air, clean water, and green spaces, starting with the most impacted communities.Green Jobs and Economic Growth:&nbsp;A Green New Deal for D.C. means creating thousands of well-paying, unionized jobs in clean energy, sustainable agriculture, and green infrastructure. We'll invest in job training programs to ensure that our workforce is prepared for the green economy of the future.Clean Transportation:&nbsp;Transportation is one of our leading sources of emissions. We must reduce car dependency by vastly expanding our public transit network to better serve DC residents, not just commuters, as well as redesigning our streets to support and prioritize alternative modes of transportation, such as biking and walking. We must also expand electric vehicle infrastructure to reduce emissions from car dependent citizens, and ensure that cars on our roads are as clean and efficient as possible.&nbsp;Sustainable Agriculture:&nbsp;We'll support local, sustainable agriculture to reduce our reliance on imported food and decrease our carbon footprint. By investing in urban farming and community gardens, we can promote healthy food access and create green spaces for all residents.Resilience and Preparedness:&nbsp;In the face of climate change, we must prioritize resilience and preparedness. We'll invest in flood prevention, disaster response, and infrastructure improvements to protect our communities from the impacts of extreme weather events.Public Investment and Funding:&nbsp;Funding for the Green New Deal will come from a combination of federal, state, and local sources, as well as private-sector partnerships. We will ensure that those who have profited most from polluting industries pay their fair share.Community Engagement:&nbsp;We believe in the power of community engagement. We will work closely with residents, activists, and organizations to ensure that our policies are informed by the diverse voices and needs of our city.A Green New Deal for Washington, D.C. is not just about addressing climate change; it's about creating a more equitable and prosperous future for all our residents. Together, we can lead the nation in building a sustainable, resilient, and just city.&nbsp;

We have a unique opportunity to lead the way in tackling the urgent and interconnected challenges of climate change, economic inequality, and environmental justice.. That's why I am proud to champion a Green New Deal for Washington, D.C. We must work to transition our city to 100% clean, renewable energy sources. This means investing in solar and wind power and retrofitting...

A Green New Deal for DC

Our treatment of animals is a reflection of our values as a society. I understand the importance of protecting and advocating for the rights of animals.&nbsp;Animal Welfare Legislation:&nbsp;We will champion strong animal welfare legislation to protect animals from cruelty, neglect, and harm. This includes advocating for stricter animal cruelty laws and supporting efforts to end practices that cause unnecessary suffering.Ending Animal Testing:&nbsp;We will work to reduce and ultimately eliminate the use of animals in scientific research and testing, promoting alternative methods that are more humane and scientifically valid.Conservation and Preservation:&nbsp;We are committed to conserving and preserving wildlife habitats to protect endangered species and maintain biodiversity. Our policies will prioritize the responsible stewardship of our natural environment.Responsible Pet Ownership:&nbsp;We will promote responsible pet ownership through education and legislation, including measures to address pet overpopulation, promote adoption, and prevent animal abandonment.Animal Rights Education:&nbsp;We believe in the importance of educating the public about animal rights and welfare issues, fostering a culture of compassion and respect for all living beings.Collaboration and Advocacy:&nbsp;We will collaborate with animal welfare organizations, experts, and advocates to develop and promote policies that prioritize the well-being of animals.Our commitment to animal rights reflects our dedication to compassion, empathy, and the belief that all creatures deserve to live free from suffering and harm. Together, we can build a more compassionate world for animals and humans alike.

Our treatment of animals is a reflection of our values as a society. I understand the importance of protecting and advocating for the rights of animals. We will champion strong animal welfare legislation to protect animals from cruelty, neglect, and harm. This includes advocating for stricter animal cruelty laws...

Animal Rights

As a child of Nigerian immigrants, I understand the importance of an immigration system that treats people with dignity. Our country has always stood as a beacon of hope and freedom for those seeking refuge from oppression and hardship and the fabric of our nation’s history woven with stories of immigrants who came in search of a better life and contributed immeasurably to our society. It's time to uphold this proud tradition with immediate and compassionate immigration reform.Supporting New Americans: As a nation built by immigrants, we understand the importance of supporting those who wish to make America their home. We will work to provide the necessary resources and opportunities for new Americans to thrive in our society.Upholding Values:&nbsp;Our immigration reform efforts will be guided by our core values of compassion, inclusivity, and justice. We will support policies that reflect the true spirit of America, where diversity is celebrated, and all are welcomed with open arms.

As a child of Nigerian immigrants, I understand the importance of an immigration system that treats people with dignity. Our country has always stood as a beacon of hope and freedom for those seeking refuge from oppression and hardship and the fabric of our nation’s history woven with stories of immigrants who came in search of a better life and contributed immeasurably to our society...

Compassionate Immigration Reform

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I'm a pharmacist, activist and child of immigrants. I fight for DC statehood because I know firsthand we can't afford to wait.

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Latest Campaign Developments

D.C. Shadow Rep. Oye Owolewa (D) recently commented on the SAFER (Secure and Fair Enforcement Regulation) Banking Act, which would loosen restrictions on legal marijuana dispensary owners getting financial assistance from federally chartered banking institutions...

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Owolewa Supports the SAFER Banking Act

Nigerian-American Oye Owolewa serves as the "Shadow Representative" for the residents of the District of Columbia. He speaks about the importance of statehood for the District and the challenge of bringing representation to the city...

Rep. Oye Owolewa Talks Importance Of Statehood For District Of Columbia

On Wednesday June 28th, Dr. Oye Owolewa, the US Representative for DC, hosted the “DC’s Capital Seminar: All About the CBE,” an event dedicated to educating small minority businesses about becoming CBEs (Certified Business Enterprises).