Oye Owolewa, a Nigerian-American Democrat, has been re-elected as the shadow representative for the District of Columbia (DC).

Owolewa, who earned a doctorate in pharmacy from Northeastern University, first made headlines in November 2020 as the first Nigerian-American to be elected to Congress.

This year, he was re-elected with a remarkable 164,026 votes, capturing 82.84% of the total votes cast in DC.

Though his position as shadow representative does not grant him official voting rights in Congress, Owolewa plays a crucial role as an advocate for the district’s interests, particularly in DC’s ongoing push for statehood.

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Who is Oye Owolewa?

Born and raised in Newton, Massachusetts, Owolewa attended Boston Latin School, graduating in 2008.

His academic journey led him to Northeastern University, where he earned his PhD in pharmacy in 2014 before relocating to Washington, DC, to pursue a career in pharmacy.

Alongside his professional career, Oye Owolewa’s dedication to public service grew, leading him to politics as a platform for his advocacy work.

As a politician, pharmacist, and committed advocate, Owolewa focuses on issues vital to his community, including fighting climate change, addressing prescription drug costs, and enhancing community resources.

He aims to amplify DC’s voice, emphasizing equity and policy changes that would benefit not only his constituents but also the broader American landscape.

Vanguard News