Meet Dudley Muhammad, candidate for Iowa House district 34

Dudley Muhammad, 67, filed his paperwork with the Iowa Secretary of the State on March 4, to run for the Iowa House district 34 seat that State Rep. Ako Abdul-Samad will vacate at the end of his term this year. The deadline to file was March 15.

Muhammad, who was born in Des Moines and lives on the city’s north side, has four children. The small business owner operates Mr. Dudley’s Family Sweets. He attends Des Moines Area Community College and expects to graduate in the fall.

A total of five candidates are running for the seat, including:

John R. Campbell Jr., Democrat
Danielle Duggan, Republican
Samy El-Baroudi, Democrat
Rob Johnson, Democrat

Black Iowa News: Tell me why you’re running for Iowa House district 34? 

Dudley Muhammad: “I believe the voices of the people have been silenced due to those who are in positions of power. This power is evident in politics where there only seems to be a concern about who you are and advocating for big business. In politics we have forgotten about the people, the people who put you in that seat based on their vote. I believe I will echo the sentiments and concerns of those who reside in this district. I will take their voices to the capitol and work hard alongside others to create legislation which addresses their concerns as I represent the people.”

Black Iowa News: What do you want people reading this story to know about your campaign?

Dudley Muhammad: “I want people to know that education is important to me. I have and will continue to visit our schools to talk to students as they are our future and hear from teachers and district leaders to learn what is needed so that their voices can be heard. Our children must have a good quality education and have the resources to be set up for success after graduation. In addition, I will visit small business owners to learn about the resources they need to thrive as business owners.”

Black Iowa News: What else do you want the readers to know?

Dudley Muhammad: “As a U.S. Naval veteran, I will work hard to advocate for veterans to ensure they can get the classification they deserve and notification of the resources that will ensure a better quality of life for them. Mental health is a rising concern in the state. I will work with others to create legislation addressing our mental health issues. I am also concerned with gun control, abortion and housing. I will continue to advocate for these issues on behalf of the people who are working hard daily and contributing to making the state of Iowa a great place to live.”