**Richard Ojeda Reflects on His Father’s Legacy After His Passing**
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Congressman-elect Richard Ojeda of North Carolina has shared the profound loss of his father, Richard Ojeda Sr., who passed away following a battle with Parkinson’s disease. The announcement was made on social media on November 6, just days after Ojeda triumphed over incumbent Republican Representative Richard Hudson in a closely contested election that saw him secure 51.1% of the vote.
In a touching video recorded on Election Night, Ojeda revealed the victorious news to his father, saying, “Your son made it to Congress.” The poignant moment captured Ojeda kissing his father on the forehead and proclaiming his love. The emotional weight of his father’s declining health and the thrill of political victory intertwined in Ojeda’s tribute.
Ojeda, who is a military veteran and former state senator, expressed the belief that his father had intentionally held on to witness this significant milestone in his life. “I know he’ll be standing right beside me,” Ojeda remarked, emphasising the deep bond between father and son. As he prepares to embark on his Congressional journey, he is determined to honour his father’s memory, stating, “Rest easy, Daddy. I’ll take it from here. These next two years are for you ❤️.”
The newly elected representative will serve North Carolina’s 9th Congressional District, which encompasses a diverse area including parts of Fort Bragg, Moore, Randolph, and several counties. Ojeda’s victory is particularly notable as he becomes the first Hispanic member of Congress from North Carolina, a significant milestone in the state’s political landscape.
Richard Ojeda Sr. had a rich history that blended military service and personal sacrifice; he returned to the U.S. after his family briefly lived in Mexico, eventually studying at the Mayo Clinic before serving in the Korean War. This background has profoundly influenced Ojeda’s commitment to serving veterans and military families, a priority he has identified for his time in Congress.
Before his recent win, Ojeda previously attempted a Congressional bid in 2018, which did not succeed. His journey has been one of resilience, and he has attributed his return to North Carolina to both personal connections and a desire to contribute more effectively to the region he has always cherished. “We missed the people of North Carolina, and we missed the access to everything that you have in this area,” he explained when discussing his motivation for relocating back to the state.
Reflecting on his military career, Ojeda, 56, served over two decades in the Army, retiring as a major in 2013. Throughout his service, he was deployed to various global hotspots including Iraq, Afghanistan, and Korea, an experience that has shaped his perspective on governance and constituency service. His time at Fort Bragg marks a significant part of his life, as he considers representing the community and its military members “one of the greatest things” he could achieve.
As Ojeda prepares to take office, he aims to address pressing issues faced by veterans, ensuring that their needs are met and voices heard in Congress. He has made it clear that his dedication to service will be guided by his father’s enduring legacy and the values instilled in him throughout his upbringing.
Moving forward, Ojeda’s focus will also encompass broader social and economic concerns within North Carolina’s 9th District. His campaign resonated with voters seeking change, especially in a political environment often marked by division. By standing on the foundation laid by his father, Ojeda hopes to foster unity and progress for the constituents he will represent.
While his father may not be physically present when he is sworn in, Ojeda’s emotional reflections underscore the profound impact family has on one’s journey. The late Richard Ojeda Sr. will undoubtedly remain a guiding presence as his son embarks on this new chapter in public service, ensuring that his memory and values continue to inspire the work ethic and dedication needed for the challenges ahead.
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