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After Careful Contemplation, Serious Prayer, and the Support of my Family...It's official. I'm on the ballot!I aim to represent you as a trustee on the Riverside County Board of Education.Paperwork has been submitted, fees paid, and now it's time to lace up my campaigning shoes to prepare for the walking and door-knocking to earn your vote in this upcoming election.I am sure that I will talk with you soon over the course of my campaigning between now until June 2nd!Always feel free to drop me a direct line at <a href="mailto:oliver@voteunaka.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">oliver@voteunaka.com</a> or call me directly at (951) 268-9086.<h4>Let's get this win!</h4>

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Brooke unakaasst. campaign manager (GOTV coordinator)

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<h2 style="text-align: center;">The 'Oliver Unaka for Riverside County Board of Education' campaign is a people-powered and community-driven coalition...</h2><img src="https://run.imgix.net/69164704-0552-4f21-a64d-e8e9b0d770ac/213afafc-f8a6-4feb-8f1d-01f762aefb74/213afafc-f8a6-4feb-8f1d-01f762aefb74.jpg?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%2C1362%2C1600&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="40" variant="framed"><h4>"The jobs of tomorrow haven't even been created yet because the leaders who will define them are sitting in our classrooms today."</h4>I’m honored to welcome you to my campaign website as I run for the Riverside County Board of Education, Trustee Area 1. My candidacy is grounded in the firm belief that every student deserves safe schools, high-quality instruction, and a clear pathway to success in college, career/trades, and life. For more than two decades, I have dedicated my career to supporting student success across the entire educational spectrum, from K-12 through higher education.I truly believe that the jobs of tomorrow haven't even been created yet because the leaders who will define them are sitting in our classrooms today. To prepare ALL STUDENTS for this future, I am committed to leading with consistency and clarity while keeping our focus where it belongs—on the academic growth and character development of our students.Through my leadership as School Board President and a Cabinet Member on both the K-12 and university levels, I have gained a deep understanding and a unique mastery of the complex California Education Code. I draw on these professional insights to bridge the gap between policy and practice. My background in both governance and administration allows me to implement solutions from multiple perspectives—as a dedicated parent volunteer, as a high-ranking educational leader, and as a school board member.Having secured roughly $500 million for public education, I possess the unique knowledge and advocacy experience to deliver results for students ranging from those in gifted and talented programs to our "At Promise Youth."I am a fierce advocate for robust career and technical education, with a focus on pre-apprenticeship programs that strengthen college and career readiness in our schools. Furthermore, I am dedicated to standing in the gap for our foster, unaccompanied, unhoused, and twice-exceptional students, ensuring they have a champion to support them as they transition into adulthood.This campaign effort is a people-powered and community-driven initiative. We all play a role in helping to shape the future for children within our community.&nbsp;While I have strong support among my colleagues in education, and among local and state elected leaders, the greatest honor would be a ballot vote of confidence from you, my neighbor.I look forward to earning your vote as we work together to uplift the next set of generations! I thank you in advance for your consideration.&nbsp;<img src="https://run.imgix.net/69164704-0552-4f21-a64d-e8e9b0d770ac/ac5520c5-05cc-4cf7-b1c5-c9d11ba552eb/ac5520c5-05cc-4cf7-b1c5-c9d11ba552eb.jpg?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%2C2785%2C3431&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="40" variant="framed">I AM HONORED TO HAVE THE ENDORSEMENT OF ALL K-12 PUBLIC TEACHER UNIONS, POLICE, FIREFIGHTERS, MORE THAN 20 LOCAL LABOR ORGANIZATIONS, AND DEVOTED MOTHERS, FATHERS, FOSTER AND ADOPTED PARENTS, GUARDIANS, AND GRANDPARENTS THROUGHOUT RIVERSIDE COUNTY!

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Trustee Area 1 covers the northwest portion of Riverside County, including the cities of Corona, Norco, and Eastvale, along with portions of Riverside USD and Lake Elsinore USD along the 15 freeway.The area is one of the fastest-growing regions in the county and is home to a young, diverse population. Local school districts serve students from a wide range of cultural and economic backgrounds, including many English learners, first-generation AVID students, and college-bound families.As a major population center, Trustee Area 1 plays a critical role in shaping educational opportunity and ensuring resources are distributed throughout all 23 school districts, which cover 7,303 miles within Riverside County.

This is a Pivotal Moment for Trustee Area 1

Issues

A Vision for Our Schools, A Commitment to Our CommunityMy candidacy is grounded in the belief that EVERY STUDENT DESERVES safe schools, high-quality instruction, and a clear pathway to success in college, career/trades, and in life.Vote for Stability: Roots in EastvaleSince 2008, Eastvale has been more than just our home; It has been our village. My wife, LaKeisha, and I chose to raise our family here because we believe in the strength of this community and the neighbors who make Riverside County a vibrant place to live and grow. Having been together since our college days 27 years ago, we understand that the strongest foundations are built on loyalty, shared values, and a long-term vision.Vote for Principle: Education as the Difference-MakerWe have raised our two children, Brooke and Carter, with a fundamental truth: a quality education is the ultimate difference-maker. It is the key that unlocks opportunity and the bedrock of a prosperous society. Our commitment to local public schools isn’t just professional—it’s personal.Vote for Representation: Honoring Our EducatorsAs a family, we treasure our teachers. We recognize the immense sacrifices they make every day to guide and inspire the next generation. My mission is to ensure that our school system supports these educators as much as they support our students in providing safe, high-quality environments where every child in Riverside County can thrive.Afford me the Honor to Serve YouI look forward to continuing my service to the greater Riverside County community as your choice for the Riverside County Board of Education, Trustee Area 1.

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I am humbly asking for your vote on June 2nd to ensure that all students within Riverside County, especially and including the communities of Corona-Norco Unified, Lake Elsinore Unified, and the portions of Riverside Unified within *Trustee Area 1, have the leadership and the resources they need to thrive.*Trustee Area 1 is in red

joe herrity, the goodwill foundation

Dr. albert randalleastvale community captain

My 19-year-old daughter, Brooke, often reminds me that girls run the world. Although <a href="/brooke-estem.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Brooke has since graduated Eastvale STEM Academy</a> and is now a Pre-med major at Howard University, I must admit that she is right. Right here in Trustee Area 1, I met an amazing group of young ladies who are already powerful students in math and science. The future of our county is looking very bright!

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Organizations and Leaders Rally Around Unaka's Countywide Vision and Urgent Call-To-Action for Student-First Unity!

Oliver Unaka for Riverside County Board of Education

trustee area 1 incumbent riverside county board of education

Kim Cousins

ca state senate member &amp; author of SB 1273 (School Safety &amp; Notifications)

Steven Bradford

Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder for Riverside County

Peter Aldana

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<h2>Oliver, why are you running?</h2><h3>"...because all of the children of our county deserve an experienced and collaborative educational governance leader who will protect their futures at all costs."</h3>

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work!

To ensure that ALL STUDENTS within the communities of Corona-Norco Unified, Lake Elsinore Unified, and the portions of Riverside Unified within *Trustee Area 1 have the resources they need to thrive,I am humbly asking for your vote on June 2nd.(*Trustee Area 1 is in red)

You matter. Although we have geared up with volunteer trainings and campaign planning, we are never too busy to return a phone call to share our campaign platform and priorities. Drop us a line and we'll call you back shortly.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/69164704-0552-4f21-a64d-e8e9b0d770ac/5c57c4da-6cf8-447c-b97c-fa68cd8eae26/5c57c4da-6cf8-447c-b97c-fa68cd8eae26.png?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%2C300%2C168&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="center" alignwidth="50" variant="framed">

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The greatest gifts that we can provide to our future leaders is to be present, patient, and personable.

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<h2 style="text-align: center;">It is Critically Important to Become Educated on the Glows, Grows, Processes, and Expected Outcomes</h2>"Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore, get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding." -Proverb<h4 style="text-align: center;">Being an effective RCOE Board Member requires wisdom. I believe in the wisdom of "getting understanding first." This means partnering with the County Superintendent to listen carefully in support of his agenda for his multi-tiered staff. It also involves listening to, and advocating for, countywide teachers, principals, and superintendents. This also includes strategic collaboration with 119 local school board trustees to gain a real-time understanding of the unique hurdles our various student groups face in each district throughout the county. Also, one must recognize the evolving needs of both the modern workforce and student-learning modalities. Afterall, a student's learning environment is also a teacher's working environment. Priority #1 one is always SAFETY!</h4><h4 style="text-align: center;">True leadership isn't just about taking action—it's about asking insightful questions and gaining fact-based insight to take the right action. </h4><img src="https://run.imgix.net/69164704-0552-4f21-a64d-e8e9b0d770ac/86d583b9-2b2b-4a22-ba24-7a27da8fe4f8/86d583b9-2b2b-4a22-ba24-7a27da8fe4f8.png?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=123%2C395%2C1801%2C1251&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="center" alignwidth="25" variant="base"><h2>Riverside County Office of Education Resources</h2><img src="https://run.imgix.net/69164704-0552-4f21-a64d-e8e9b0d770ac/ae0d3837-0667-460b-8681-05a55957aee0/ae0d3837-0667-460b-8681-05a55957aee0.png?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%2C1920%2C350&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="center" alignwidth="50" variant="base"><h4>It is important for everyone to understand how the programs spearheaded by the Riverside County Office of Education are designed to tackle the primary challenges impacting our local students and academic institutions. Ranging from literacy and language arts development to career-based internships and civic involvement, these efforts are built to bridge the gap between schools and the broader community. By uniting educators with local businesses, religious and service groups, law enforcement, and other public agencies, the goal is to create a collaborative network dedicated to the achievement of the 430,000 public school students across the county.</h4><img src="https://run.imgix.net/69164704-0552-4f21-a64d-e8e9b0d770ac/f47838e4-65a5-4ffe-8404-00575f4abec2/f47838e4-65a5-4ffe-8404-00575f4abec2.jpg?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%2C3600%2C2400&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="center" alignwidth="40" variant="framed">

Competitive Edge

Financial Literacy

Foster Youth Success

Literacy by 5th Grade

Mental Health

Charter Schools FAQs

Resources

Please be advised of the "New" USPS Postmarking ClarificationAt the end of 2025, the USPS added a formal section to its Domestic Mail Manual (Section 608.11) that clarifies its operational use of postmarks. Specifically, for this upcoming June 2nd election, the fundamental rule remains that ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day, and received by the Riverside County elections office no later than 7 days after the election (by June 9, 2026).We will ensure that our supporters are well prepared for these deadlines.

Your Vote is a Serious Matter Let Us Help you Make a Plan to Vote for Oliver!

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<h2>May 5th - 15th</h2>

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<h2>May 15th</h2>

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<h2>June 2, 2026</h2>

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Local organizations and leaders are united and standing together!

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Plain &amp; Simple: Here is Why You Should Vote for Oliver Unaka

"Empowering Our Schools, Elevating the Future for Riverside County Students"

Together, We Can Make A Difference!

<h2>How to handle donations on your website</h2>Run does not process donations directly on our platform, as is standard with most political and advocacy sites.Campaigns are often required to comply with reporting requirements, donation limits, and other regulations, so using a donation processor that specializes in serving campaigns is generally a good idea. Sign up with a donation processor and then on your Pages sidebar, click the Link icon on the Donate page and add the link to your donation page. Some common options for donation processing include:<ul><li><a href="https://secure.actblue.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ActBlue</a></li><li><a href="https://www.campaigndeputy.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Campaign Deputy</a> </li><li><a href="https://goodchange.app/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">GoodChange</a></li><li><a href="https://numero.ai/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Numero</a></li><li><a href="https://www.ngpvan.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">NGP VAN</a></li></ul>

Oliver Unaka is the only candidate in the race for RCOE Trustee Area 1 that...has well-rounded experience and who is ready to lead on Day One.Oliver's background in educational governance and administration, allows him to implement solutions from multiple perspectives—as a dedicated parent volunteer, as a high-ranking educational staff member in K-12 and college institutions, and as an experienced school board member.

Oliver dreams big for students and he executes ideas with precision.

Let us tell you about the Oliver we know...

dr. theresa pricefounder &amp; ceo, national college resources foundation

Veronica Kummerfeldtvice president, operations

vacantriverside community captain

carter unakayoung adult voter outreach &amp; gotv logistics manager

alton garrett, Chief master Sergeant USAF, Retiredriverside county veterans liason

Events

Fun in this Campaign Process...

the unaka's are coming to a neighborhood near you

"Your Vote, Our Schools, One Shared Future"

We Want to Earn Your Vote

keney subranding and comms manager

"We will listen and learn more about each other as we evolve from 'You and I' to 'WE.'"-Dr. Judy Denise White, Author of WE

Putting My Expertise to Work for Students

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"One Region. One Mission. Every Student"

A Renewed Focus on Our Regional Educational Community

"This non-partisan campaign coalition welcomes Republicans, Democrats, Independents, and 'Decline to State' voters. We embrace people of all backgrounds, including Black, White, Latino, and Asian communities; individuals of all orientations and gender identities; and supporters of every age and ability." "If you care about what is best for kids, then we want you to unite with our team to spread our message of UNITY!"

lakeisha unakapartnership director

vacantlake elsinore community captain

"The world is changed by your own example, not by your opinion."

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Campaign Events

Events

vacanttemescal valley community captain

Leaders and Organizations Rally Around Unaka's Countywide Vision and Urgent Call-To-Action for Non-Partisan and Student-First Unity!

retired county supervisor

John Tavaglione

member, ca state assembly former member, riverside county board of education

Dr. Corey Jackson

Former cta statewide president

Barbara Kerr

Organizations and Community Leaders Rally Around Unaka's Countywide Coalition and Urgent Call-To-Action for Student-First Unity!

IBEW Local 47

former mayor of riverside distinguished UCR Professor

Teamsters Joint Council 42

PRESIDENT &amp; ceo webb construction

District Council 36

Dozens of local organizations and leaders are standing together!

Your Name for Political Office

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vacantnorco community camptain

vacantlabor union liaison

vacantad 58 precincts call captain

Introduce the videos below with a short blurb.

What does a Riverside County Board of Education Member do Exactly?

Vote for Oliver Unaka as your next Riverside County Board of Education member for Trustee Area 1. Oliver's aim is to join the Riverside County Board of Education to liaise and support RCOE's 23 local school districts.

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Oliver and the Team Welcome Your Support!

<h3>Contribute now to support our campaign!</h3>

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stephanie bakerprincipal &amp; teachers liason

"Being the mother of a twice-exceptional child is a blessing that comes with unique challenges. It is vital to have a school district—and now a County Board Trustee—that truly understands and honors this distinction. Because Oliver recognizes the importance of specialized support for every student, he has my fullest support in this election!"-Sarah M.

vacantad 63 precincts call captain

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A Future Worth Fighting For

Safe Schools Throughout all of Riverside County

High-Quality Education Taught with Intentionality

Equal Emphasis on both College (A-G Completion) and Career/Trades

Enhance Partnerships with Organized Labor Unions to Re-emphasize Trade Offerings (e.g. MC3) and Pre-Apprenticeship Opportunities for Riverside County Students

Proactively Strengthen Professional Development (PD) for Public and Charter CFOs to Support Greater Financial Accountability of Taxpayer Dollars Amid Statewide Declining Enrollments

<h4>I am committed to leading with consistency and clarity while keeping our focus where it belongs—on the academic growth and character development of our students.</h4><h4>Our students thrive when leadership is united. I am running to join a stellar County Superintendent and the dedicated members of RCOE's Board who are already working at a high level to deliver results.</h4><h4>I believe every student deserves a clear path to a career, whether through college or technical training. I am especially dedicated to being a voice for our <a href="https://content.acsa.org/ieps-special-education-at-a-glance/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">special educated</a>, foster, unhoused, and unaccompanied youth, making sure they have the guidance and resources to build a bright future.</h4><h4>By adding my voice to this collaborative effort, we can stay focused on thoughtful solutions to fully support all twenty-three Riverside County local school districts in building the bright, successful futures every student deserves.</h4>

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Get Involved. Flex Your Leadership Muscles!

<h2 style="text-align: center;">THIS IS ALSO MY "WHY"</h2><img src="https://run.imgix.net/69164704-0552-4f21-a64d-e8e9b0d770ac/c7d61597-d7fd-42f8-b160-70ed69d0974e/c7d61597-d7fd-42f8-b160-70ed69d0974e.png?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%2C572%2C853&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">My reason for running for Riverside County Board of Education is deeply personal...and I consider it an honor to share with voters!As you know, education is the single difference-maker in our country, and the same holds true for our county.Education was the bridge that carried me from being a Los Angeles County homeless student in borrowed clothes wading through the uncertainty of foster care to becoming a husband, father, community leader, school board member, and educational administrator on both the K-12 and university levels. I am running to strengthen that bridge for the next generation of children within our county, especially our most vulnerable student populations.My journey from being an emotionally unstable, unhoused, and transient youth to a trusted, well-respected family man, and educational leader is a testament to what is possible when a community invests in its children, and when voters elect the right representatives to reflect and steward our shared-community values. I am running for the Riverside County Board of Education to scale that success for all children within our county.As a father and a longtime PTA dad, my perspective has been shaped by watching my own children thrive in the kind of strong, stable schools that I once only dreamed of attending. I recognize that many of our students have been afforded incredible opportunities in this county, and I am running to protect and build upon that excellence.My experience has taught me that we must be a champion for every child—supporting those who are already on a path to success by ensuring our schools remain world-class, while simultaneously holding the door open for those facing the same obstacles I once did.My goal is to ensure that whether a student is starting from a place of strength or a place of struggle, they have a Riverside County education that acts as a launchpad for their ultimate potential.I view my candidacy not just as a professional goal, but as a personal responsibility to pay my blessings forward.I am running to ensure that every student in Riverside County has the door of opportunity held open for them — a door that is kept ajar through fiscal accountability and with the strategic educational leadership they deserve.Together, we can ensure that every child in our county—whether they are following a path of established excellence or carving a new one out of hardship—is met with a school system that believes in their greatness and a community that treats their future as our most sacred shared investment.I seek your vote so that Riverside County schools provide every child the same transformative opportunity that saved my life.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/69164704-0552-4f21-a64d-e8e9b0d770ac/ee54da9b-5353-4016-b277-61fe2898adaa/ee54da9b-5353-4016-b277-61fe2898adaa.jpg?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%2C1024%2C682&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="center" alignwidth="40" variant="framed">I AM HONORED TO HAVE THE ENDORSEMENT OF ALL K-12 PUBLIC TEACHER UNIONS, POLICE, FIREFIGHTERS, MORE THAN 20 LOCAL LABOR ORGANIZATIONS, AND DEVOTED MOTHERS, FATHERS, FOSTER AND ADOPTED PARENTS, GUARDIANS, AND GRANDPARENTS THROUGHOUT RIVERSIDE COUNTY!<img src="https://run.imgix.net/69164704-0552-4f21-a64d-e8e9b0d770ac/5fa39e39-050f-42e2-8929-8e38772bcfd5/5fa39e39-050f-42e2-8929-8e38772bcfd5.png?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%2C2066%2C1156&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="center" alignwidth="40" variant="framed">

Leaders and organizations are uniting with Oliver for Riverside County children!

Dr. Ron Loveridge

board president, riverside community college district

Jose Alcala

member, riverside community college district

Bill Hedrick

former riverside county office of education superintendent

Kenneth Young

riverside community college interim president

Dr. Eric Bishop

former PRESIDENT university of la verne

Dr. Pardis Mahdavi

Matt Webb

founder &amp; CEO national college resources foundation

Dr. Theresa Price

Mayor of moreno valley

Ulises Cabrera

mayor of long beach

Rex Richardson

mayor of pomona

Tim Sandoval

mayor emeritus, city of rialto

Deborah Robertson

former city council member City of san bernardino

Damon Alexander

member, banning city council

Cindy Barrington

Council member, Inglewood &amp; former president of the Metropolitan water district of southern ca

news & press

Latest Campaign Developments

RCOE Board Incumbent Kim Cousins Endorses Oliver Unaka to Succeed Him in Trustee Area 1

Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1704 Endorses Oliver Unaka for RCOE Board

LABOR POWER: Teamsters Joint Council 42 Endorses Oliver Unaka for RCOE

Retired Fresno County Superintendent Larry Powell Endorses Oliver Unaka for RCOE Board

CA State Senator Steven Bradford Endorses Oliver Unaka for Riverside County Board of Education

Oliver Unaka Gains Momentum in RCOE Race with Key Endorsement from Students First PAC

International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, District Council 36 Endorses Oliver Unaka

Oliver Unaka Commits to Excellence, Enrolls in CSBA Masters in Governance Program for County Boards