Amanda Cunningham

This page was current at the end of the individual's last campaign covered by Ballotpedia. Please contact us with any updates.

Amanda Cunningham

Nonpartisan

Elections and appointments

Last election

December 14, 2024

Education

High school

Lawrence North High School

Bachelor's

Indiana University, 2007

Graduate

Colorado Technical University, 2016

Personal

Birthplace

Indianapolis, Ind.

Religion

Christian

Profession

Advocate

Contact

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

Campaign TikTok

Personal Facebook

Personal Twitter

Personal LinkedIn

Amanda Cunningham ran in a special election to the El Paso City Council to represent District 5 in Texas. She lost in the special general runoff election on December 14, 2024.

Cunningham completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Amanda Cunningham was born in Indianapolis, Indiana. She earned a bachelor's degree from Indiana University in 2007 and a graduate degree from Colorado Technical University in 2016. Her career experience includes working as an advocate, foster care director, emergency foster care coordinator, foster home recruitment specialist, grant writer, program developer, program manager, and operational logistics leader.

Elections

2024

See also: City elections in El Paso, Texas (2024)

General runoff election

Special general runoff election for El Paso City Council District 5

Ivan Niño defeated Amanda Cunningham in the special general runoff election for El Paso City Council District 5 on December 14, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Ivan Niño (Nonpartisan)	62.8	1,212
		Amanda Cunningham (Nonpartisan)	37.2	717

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 1,929
= 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.

General election

Special general election for El Paso City Council District 5

Ivan Niño and Amanda Cunningham advanced to a runoff. They defeated Felix Muñoz, Tamara Davis, and Sean Orr in the special general election for El Paso City Council District 5 on November 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Ivan Niño (Nonpartisan)	39.1	7,000
✔		Amanda Cunningham (Nonpartisan)	25.3	4,531
		Felix Muñoz (Nonpartisan)	20.0	3,583
		Tamara Davis (Nonpartisan)	8.8	1,569
		Sean Orr (Nonpartisan)	6.8	1,209

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 17,892
= 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.

Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Cunningham in this election.

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Amanda Cunningham completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Cunningham's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Amanda embodies the essence of leadership and compassion, driven by a mission to uphold the moral foundations that our country was built upon. Her journey began as a high school student in the American Experience program, where she immersed herself in the heart of Washington, D.C., learning from influential leaders, including senators and congressmen. This unique opportunity allowed her to shape her education intentionally, focusing on experiences that would empower her to strengthen communities. With a deep commitment to public service, she is poised as a well-informed advocate for the people,and to take on a significant role in government. Her dedication to fostering positive change reflects her belief in the power of informed leadership and community engagement. Amanda holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from the prestigious Indiana University School of Public & Environmental Affairs, which is ranked #1 in the nation by U.S. News and World Reports. She earned a master's degree in management with a specialization in non-profit management and has completed coursework towards her PhD in public policy and administration. She is an expert grant writer and social services executive, with skills in community development. Her commitment to families is evident through her experience as an emergency planner and her 20 years of advocacy for families and children. She is faith-driven, goal-oriented and servant leader and a dedicated Christian ministry leader.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• Amanda is dedicated to providing real solutions to the pressing issues facing her community. With a strong focus on fiscal responsibility and effective stewardship, she advocates for genuine representation that prioritizes the well-being of residents. Her primary goal is to enhance the quality of life for families, particularly by addressing the urgent issue of high property taxes in El Paso—currently the highest in Texas and contributing to the city's second-highest poverty rate. Many families are at risk of losing their homes due to these burdensome taxes. Amanda is committed to effecting change by leveraging her expertise as an experienced grant writer, working to secure more federal and external grants.
• Amanda is a courageous advocate for the people. A true representative, promoting honesty, truthfulness, and transparency. Her background as a social worker highlights her lifelong commitment to putting families first. She seeks practical and effective solutions, prioritizing the needs of people over profits. Supporting unions and championing the rights of the voiceless, Amanda protects individual liberties with unwavering conviction. Her steadfast belief in the principle of "no taxation without representation" drives her mission to ensure that every citizen has a voice in the democratic process. Amanda's passion and commitment make her a true advocate for positive change in the community.
• Amanda prioritizes public safety, general welfare, and the enhancement of quality of life for all residents. She believes that the beautification of the city is essential for fostering a vibrant community. By applying the broken window theory, Amanda aims to reduce crime rates, set a positive example for the youth, and address pressing issues such as dumping, littering, and trash accumulation. These efforts are vital for creating a clean, safe, and inviting environment. Her grant initiatives will help lower taxes, improve infrastructure and traffic and add community gardens.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Amanda is passionate about distribution policies that aim to ensure everyone shares in the benefits while the general public bears the costs. These policies play a crucial role in reducing disparities and promoting social and economic well-being. Among her key interests are housing policies, which are essential to social policy as they strive to provide affordable and adequate housing for all. Additionally, Amanda advocates for public safety policies and regulations that safeguard the public interest, as well as labor regulations that ensure fair labor practices. Her commitment extends to economic policy, public finance, child and family policy, and cultural policy, which is vital for building a just and equitable society.

What qualities does this office possess that makes it a unique and important part of the state government and legal system?

Amanda advocates for the protection of municipalities’ authority, recognizing that local governments play a crucial role in addressing the unique needs of their communities. Federal and state laws often fail to adequately address local concerns, making it essential to empower city governments to establish their own regulations.

By enabling local governments to collaborate effectively with unions and other community stakeholders, we provide them with the essential tools to tackle the issues faced by residents. This local autonomy fosters a more equitable and responsive governance structure that prioritizes the well-being of workers and consumers alike.

Such measures not only uplift the community but also strengthen the local economy, ensuring a better quality of life for all. Empowering municipalities in this way promotes a governance model that is attuned to the specific needs and aspirations of the people it serves.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

—-

An elected official must embody the role of a true advocate, fiercely representing the people and serving as the collective voice of their constituents. This involves a balance between addressing detailed issues and focusing on the broader vision for the community.

Being available and visible within the community is crucial. It ensures that the official is in touch with the needs and concerns of the people they serve. Transparency in politics, budgets, agendas, and solutions is essential for building trust and maintaining integrity.

Walking in discernment, wisdom, and compassion allows an elected official to navigate complex challenges thoughtfully and empathetically. Leading with integrity, honesty, and transparency fosters a trustworthy and accountable government that truly serves the best interests of its citizens.

Elected officials should possess excellent communication skills, both public and interpersonal. Effective communication ensures that they can clearly articulate their policies and listen to the concerns of their constituents.

Being solution-based is crucial, focusing on practical and effective strategies to address community issues. Promoting unity and upholding liberties are key to fostering a cohesive and free society.

By championing these values, an elected official can build a strong, engaged, and empowered community that reflects the foundational principles of freedom and collaboration.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The primary role of a district city council representative is to serve as a direct link between the citizens and the local government. By representing the interests and concerns of their specific district, these elected officials play a crucial part in facilitating communication between the residents and the broader city council. Their responsibilities extend beyond mere representation; they are also entrusted with the duty to advocate for the needs of their constituents effectively.

The dual duty of a district city council representative lies in their unwavering commitment to their constituents while also collaborating with fellow council members for the collective benefit of all residents. Advocacy is at the heart of their work; council members must listen attentively to the concerns of citizens to ensure their voices are heard in decision-making processes. Proactive engagement with the community through public meetings, forums, and personalized outreach helps to build trust and transparency.

The role of a district city council representative is essential for fostering a healthy democracy within local governance. By championing their constituents' concerns, enacting necessary legislation, managing budgets, and nurturing partnerships with city management, council members play an integral role in shaping the future of El Paso. As representatives of the people, they must remain vigilant and responsive, always advocating for the best interests of the community they serve.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

As a 15 year old high school student, I had the privilege of participating in the American Experience Program, where I spent time in Washington, D.C., learning directly from our nation's leaders, including senators and congressmen. It was amazing an amazing personal historically event.

At the age of 17 years a senior in high school I remember being home near Fort Harrison military base when I was watching a television show with my mother and breaking news. Unbelievable news terrorist attack was shown as the second terrorist attack was shown live on television. This was September 11, 2001.

That day was indeed a significant moment in history. Witnessing the events of September 11, 2001, live on television marked a turning point for many people, profoundly impacting the nation and the world. The shock and disbelief of the terrorist attacks, coupled with the collective grief and unity that followed, created an unforgettable experience. It often shapes perspectives on security, community, and global relations.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

These experiences from Amanda’s early years illustrate her strong work ethic and commitment to learning valuable skills. Delivering newspapers at 10 instilled responsibility, while helping with her father’s construction business at 12 provided insights into accounting and small business operations. At 14 she was a waitress for a local restaurant until the closed. At 16 years old she worked at Papa John’s Pizza making 5.25 an hour.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

A new marvel character apart of the Avengers.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

I Trust In God Song by Elevation Worship

Are there any little-known powers or responsibilities held by this office that you believe more people should be aware of?

The city council office has the authority to:

• Enact Various Ordinances and Resolutions: These can promote better economic stability, ensuring a prosperous future for the community.
• Raise Revenue: Through thoughtful policies and initiatives, the city council can generate additional revenue to fund essential services and infrastructure projects.
• Adopt Ordinances that Raise Wages and Benefits: By implementing measures to improve wages and benefits, the city council can enhance the quality of life for workers, fostering a more robust and equitable local economy.

These actions collectively contribute to a stronger, more resilient community that meets the needs of all its residents.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for holders of this office to have previous experience in government or politics?

I believe it’s not necessarily beneficial for holders of this office to have previous experience in government or politics. The current politicians have increased the city’s debt without voter approval, implemented the highest property tax rates, and caused adverse effects, with families losing their homes. Experience in politics isn’t valuable when it leads to bad outcomes.

True politics is about smart decision-making and genuine advocacy. Fresh perspectives and new voices can bring innovative solutions and a sincere commitment to serving the community, which is often missing in career politicians. It’s time to consider someone new on the political scene who can truly represent and advocate for the people.

What kind of skills or expertise do you believe would be the most helpful for the holders of this office to possess?

The most important skills and expertise for the office of city council are great advocacy and good stewardship. Effective teamwork is crucial, as council members must collaborate with the full city council, the mayor, and the city manager to achieve common goals.

Advocacy is at the heart of their work. Council members must listen attentively to the concerns of citizens, ensuring their voices are heard in decision-making processes. By prioritizing these skills, city council members can effectively represent their constituents, make sound decisions, and foster a more responsive and accountable government.The skills necessary for an El Paso City Council District Five member include:

• Expertise in Increasing Revenue Without Raising Taxes: This involves innovative thinking and finding alternative revenue streams to fund city projects and services.
• Creative Problem-Solving: The ability to think outside the box and develop unique solutions to address community challenges.
• Dedication to Serving the People: A commitment to going above and beyond to ensure the best outcomes for residents.
• Mastery in Management: Strong management skills to effectively oversee city projects and initiatives.
• Experience as a Project Manager in the Non-Profit Sector: This background provides valuable insights into community needs and effective resource allocation.
• Fundraising and Grant Writing Skills: Expertise in securing funds through grants and other fundraising efforts to support city programs without burdening taxpayers.

These skills collectively ensure that the council member can effectively advocate for and serve the community, fostering growth and development in District Five.

What qualities does this office possess that makes it a unique and important part of the local government?

The City Council office represents District 5 but also plays a vital role in the broader council that makes decisions affecting the entire city and all districts. This position presents a unique opportunity to build beneficial connections at the county, state, federal, and even international levels.

By collaborating with various stakeholders and officials, the council member can advocate for policies and initiatives that not only benefit District 5 but also contribute to the overall growth and development of El Paso. These connections can lead to improved resources, funding, and support for local projects, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for all residents.

Tell us your favorite joke.

What kind of cheese do you like? Nachos
(Not Yours)

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

I am grateful for the overwhelming support my campaign has received from various individuals, which is evident on my social media platforms, including TikTok (@cunningham4citycouncil) and Facebook (Cunningham for City Council). Many voters, residents, and military personnel have rallied behind my vision for our community. Notably, Sergeant Keyshun Joyner has expressed her endorsement, alongside local business owners like Shavona Floyd. Ryan Woodcraft, who is also a candidate for County Commissioner, as well as Dave Marino, a candidate for County Tax Assessor has both supported my campaign. Their collective support underscores the strong community backing for my campaign.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Full financial transparency is a cornerstone of my platform. Increasing transparency measures ensures that property owners and citizens are better informed about tax changes. Understanding these changes helps them see how these decisions impact their lives and fosters a stronger relationship between elected officials and their constituents.

Property owners, residents, and families deserve a government that is transparent and truthful. Our decisions have a direct impact on their daily lives and future. I commit to being personally accessible to inform and answer questions, prioritizing my constituents and being available to all others.

By promoting full financial transparency, we empower voters to be informed, ensuring they are properly represented and can trust in the decisions made on their behalf. Government accountability involves providing clear information and a platform for dialogue, ensuring that officials have an obligation to explain their decisions and actions to the citizens. The government is held accountable by the people because it represents the people and is responsible for making decisions that align with the community’s best interests.

This accountability is crucial for preventing corruption and bias. It forms a part of the checks and balances that maintain a fair and just government. By ensuring transparency and responsibility, we can foster a trustworthy and effective governance system that truly serves the needs of the people.

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.

See also

2024 Elections

What's on the ballot? U.S. President U.S. Congress U.S. Congress special elections State executives State legislatures State courts Ballot measures Municipal government School boards Election analysis hub

Government

Who represents me? U.S. Congress State executives State legislators State courts Ballot measures Municipal government School boards

Newsletters

The Daily Brew The Weekly Brew The Ballot Bulletin Checks and Balances Economy and Society Hall Pass Number of the Day Robe & Gavel

External links

Search Google News for this topic

Candidate

El Paso City Council District 5

Website

Facebook

TikTok

Personal

Facebook

Twitter

LinkedIn