Congressman-Elect Richard Ojeda Mourns Father Days After Historic Victory

In a poignant turn of events, Congressman-elect Richard Ojeda is navigating the transition to federal office while grieving the loss of his father. Ojeda, who achieved a surprise electoral victory in North Carolina’s 9th Congressional District on November 3, 2026, announced that his father passed away only three days after the election results were finalized.

Ojeda successfully unseated incumbent Republican Richard Hudson, the chair of the National Republican Congressional Committee, in a district previously considered a safe stronghold for the GOP. The victory was a significant milestone for the Democrat, who had been pursuing a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives for over a decade. Official tallies showed Ojeda winning by a margin of approximately 6,000 votes.

Before his passing, Ojeda’s father was able to witness his son’s political achievement. The congressman-elect shared an emotional video on social media capturing the moment he informed his father of the win, telling him, "Pop, we won." The elder Ojeda, who had struggled with Parkinson’s disease for several years, was described by his son as a man who held on just long enough to see his son reach Congress.

As he prepares for his upcoming term, Ojeda has expressed his intention to keep his father’s memory close. During recent appearances on Capitol Hill, he revealed plans to carry a small portion of his father’s ashes with him during his official swearing-in ceremony. He stated that while his father will not be physically present, he feels his support as he begins his work representing working-class families.

Reflecting on the loss, Ojeda emphasized his commitment to the promises he made during his campaign. He has vowed to honor his father’s legacy by advocating for those who lack a voice in Washington and focusing on issues such as healthcare access, education, and veteran support. The congressman-elect remains focused on his new responsibilities, viewing his legislative role as an opportunity to serve the public in a way that would make his father proud.