Dunia Wabenga
Dunia Wabenga (Democratic Party) ran for election to the Washington House of Representatives to represent District 32-Position 2. He lost in the primary on August 6, 2024.
Wabenga completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Dunia Wabenga served in the U.S. Army National Guard from 2014 to 2018. He graduated from East High School. As of 2024, he is a student at the University of Washington, Seattle. His career experience includes working as a program manager and tutor along with working in web development and with the International Program in Public Health Leadership under the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. He has been affiliated with the Washington State Army National Guard.[1]
Elections
2024
See also: Washington House of Representatives elections, 2024
General election
General election for Washington House of Representatives District 32-Position 2
Incumbent Lauren Davis and Lori Theis are running in the general election for Washington House of Representatives District 32-Position 2 on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | ||
 | Lauren Davis (D) | |
| Lori Theis (R) | |
| ||||
 = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Nonpartisan primary election
Nonpartisan primary for Washington House of Representatives District 32-Position 2
Incumbent Lauren Davis and Lori Theis defeated Dunia Wabenga in the primary for Washington House of Representatives District 32-Position 2 on August 6, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Lauren Davis (D) | 68.7 | 15,153 |
| ✔ | | Lori Theis (R) | 25.1 | 5,525 |
 | Dunia Wabenga (D) | 6.1 | 1,354 | |
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.1 | 22 | ||
| Total votes: 22,054 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Campaign finance
Endorsements
Ballotpedia is gathering information about candidate endorsements. To send us an endorsement, click here.
Campaign themes
2024
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Dunia Wabenga completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Wabenga's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
| Collapse all
My name is Dunia Wabenga. I'm an immigrant and refugee from DR Congo who is now a proud U.S. citizen. I serve in the Washington State Army National Guard and study at the University of Washington. My experiences have shaped my dedication to public service and my advocacy for affordable housing, quality education, expanded healthcare, and food security.
- Advocating for Families: As a parent and a member of this community, I am committed to increasing affordable housing, improving access to quality education, expanding healthcare services, and ensuring food security for all families.
- Inclusive Community: My immigrant and refugee background has taught me the value of inclusiveness and community. I aim to represent the voices of all residents, regardless of background or circumstances.
- Experience and Commitment: My military service, academic journey, and professional experiences have instilled in me a deep commitment to public service. I am ready and determined to fight for policies that prioritize local families over corporate interests.
I am passionate about public policies focusing on affordable housing, quality education, expanded healthcare services, and food security. These areas are critical for ensuring the well-being and prosperity of all families in our community.
I admire individuals who demonstrate strong moral character, empathy, and a commitment to serving others. One person whose example I admire is Nelson Mandela. His unwavering dedication to justice, reconciliation, and equality inspires me even after facing immense adversity. Mandela's ability to unite people from diverse backgrounds and his commitment to the peaceful resolution of conflicts are qualities I aspire to emulate in my life and work.
I would recommend reading "The Audacity of Hope" by Barack Obama. This book captures the spirit of inclusive politics, the importance of community, and the need for policies that support all citizens. All these are values that align closely with my political philosophy.
The most essential characteristics of an elected official are integrity, empathy, and dedication. An elected official must act honestly, understand and address the community's needs, and remain committed to serving the public and advocating for policies that improve the lives of all voters.
I possess several qualities that I believe would make me a successful officeholder, including:
1. Dedication to Public Service: My unique background as an immigrant, refugee, and military member has not only shaped my character but also given me a distinct perspective. This perspective fuels my deep commitment to serving others and advocating for the well-being of my community.
2. Empathy and Understanding: Having personally overcome significant hardships, I can truly empathize with the struggles of others and am committed to representing the diverse voices and needs of my constituents.
3. Collaborative Leadership: I believe in collaborating with others to find standard solutions to complex problems, always ensuring that every voice is heard and valued, and that inclusivity and dialogue are prioritized.
4. Strong Work Ethic: I am dedicated, hardworking, and willing to put in the time and effort necessary to research, understand, and address the issues facing our community.
5. Integrity and Transparency: I hold honesty, integrity, and transparency as the pillars of good governance. I am unwavering in my commitment to uphold these principles in all aspects of my work as an officeholder.
The core responsibilities for someone elected to this office include representing the interests of the constituents, creating and supporting legislation that addresses community needs, ensuring government transparency and accountability, and advocating for policies that promote social and economic well-being, such as affordable housing, quality education, expanded healthcare, and food security.
I want to leave a legacy of positive change and impact. I hope to be remembered as someone who worked tirelessly to improve the lives of others, especially the most vulnerable in our society. I want to leave behind a community that is more inclusive, equitable, and prosperous, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. My ultimate goal is to leave a lasting legacy of service, compassion, and advocacy for a better future for all.
The first historical event I remember is the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001. I was about six years old at the time.
My first job was as a tutor for Algebra I & II, which I did online. I held this job for about a year.
My favorite book is Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand. I admire how Rand explores complex philosophical ideas, particularly her emphasis on individualism, rational self-interest, and the importance of pursuing happiness. The novel's compelling narrative and thought-provoking themes have stayed with me long after I read it, making it a book I often revisit for inspiration and reflection.
If I could be any fictional character, I would want to be Atticus Finch from Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird. Atticus symbolizes integrity, courage, and moral strength, standing up for justice and righteousness in adversity. His unwavering commitment to doing what is right, even when it is difficult, is something I deeply admire. Becoming Atticus Finch would allow me to embody these qualities and positively impact the world around me.
The last song that got stuck in my head was "How do I say Goodbye" by Dean Lewis.
One of the biggest struggles in my life has been adapting to a new country and culture as an immigrant and refugee. Coming to the United States from the Democratic Republic of Congo presented numerous challenges, including language barriers, cultural differences, and needing to rebuild my life from scratch. Overcoming these challenges has required resilience, determination, and the support of my community. This experience has shaped my perspective and fueled my passion for public service, driving me to advocate for others facing similar struggles.
The ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature should be collaborative and respectful, focused on open communication and bipartisan cooperation. Both entities should work together to craft legislation and policies that serve the best interests of the state's residents, balancing leadership initiatives with legislative oversight to ensure effective governance.
Over the next decade, our state's most significant challenges include:
Addressing affordable housing shortages.
Improving the quality and accessibility of education.
Expanding healthcare services.
Enhancing food security.
Additionally, managing the economic implications of technological changes and ensuring sustainable environmental practices will be crucial for our state's future resilience and prosperity.
Indeed, previous experience in government or politics is advantageous for state legislators, providing them with a foundational understanding of the legislative process, policy-making, and governance. However, it's important to note that diverse backgrounds play a significant role in navigating complex issues. They can bring unique insights and approaches, enhancing the effectiveness of legislative decision-making and collaboration.
Yes, it is highly beneficial to build relationships with other legislators. Strong relationships facilitate better communication and cooperation, which is essential for crafting and passing effective legislation. Building trust and understanding among legislators, regardless of party affiliation, can lead to more bipartisan efforts and compromise, ultimately serving the broader interests of the community. These relationships also enhance the ability to negotiate and address conflicts, leading to more productive legislative sessions and better outcomes for constituents.
While there are many admirable legislators, I am particularly inspired by the work of former Governor Gary Locke. His commitment to public service, focus on education, and efforts to improve economic conditions in Washington State set a powerful example. Like Locke, I aim to prioritize inclusivity, transparency, and community-focused policies. His approach to governance, emphasizing collaboration and effective policy-making, is a model I aspire to emulate.
Currently, my focus is solely on serving effectively as a State Representative. I am dedicated to addressing the immediate needs and challenges facing our community at the state level. While I am open to future opportunities that may arise, my current priority is to make a positive impact in this role and to fulfill my commitments to the constituents of the 32nd Legislative District.
As a candidate, I have heard many touching and impactful stories from residents of the 32nd Legislative District. One story that stands out is a single mother who shared her struggles with accessing affordable healthcare for her children. She described the challenges of navigating the healthcare system and the financial burden it placed on her family. Her story highlighted the urgent need for policies that expand access to healthcare and support families facing similar challenges. Her courage and determination to advocate for her children's well-being despite obstacles left a lasting impression on me, reinforcing my commitment to fighting for healthcare access for all families in our community.
Why don't scientists trust atoms?
Because they make up everything!
Yes, the legislature should oversee the use of emergency powers to ensure accountability, transparency, and adherence to democratic principles. While granting emergency powers to the executive branch can be necessary in times of crisis, it is essential that these powers be limited in scope and duration and subject to legislative review. The legislature should play a key role in determining the need for and extent of emergency powers and monitoring their use to protect the rights and interests of the public.
If elected, the first bill I would introduce would focus on increasing affordable housing options in our community. This bill would propose measures to incentivize the development of affordable housing units, assist low-income families struggling with housing costs, and address barriers to housing construction. Affordable housing is a fundamental issue that impacts many residents in our district, and addressing it would be a top priority for me as a State Representative.
I am particularly interested in serving on public health, education, housing, and veterans' affairs committees. These committees align closely with my areas of passion and expertise, allowing me to effectively contribute to shaping and overseeing policies that address the pressing needs of our community in these vital sectors.
I strongly believe in financial transparency and government accountability. These are foundational to maintaining public trust and ensuring that government actions reflect the interests and needs of the community. It is crucial that government operations are transparent and that officials are held accountable for their decisions and the management of public resources.
I support reviewing and potentially updating the state ballot initiative process to ensure it remains fair, transparent, and accessible to all citizens. One consideration could be establishing more precise guidelines for the initiative process, including requirements for signature gathering and funding disclosures, to enhance transparency and reduce the influence of special interests. Additionally, exploring ways to streamline the process without compromising democratic principles could help ensure that citizens' voices are effectively heard through the initiative process.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
Campaign finance summary
Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.
See also
2024 Elections
External links
|
Candidate Washington House of Representatives District 32-Position 2 |
Personal |
Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on May 19, 2024
