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Eric Sundberg
From Ballotpedia
This page was current at the end of the individual's last campaign covered by Ballotpedia. Please contact us with any updates.
Eric Sundberg ran for election to the Richmond City Council to represent East End 7th Voter District in Virginia. He lost in the general election on November 5, 2024.
Sundberg completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Eric Sundberg was born in San Antonio, Texas. Sundberg's career experience includes working in government. He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Mary Washington in 2017. Sundberg has been affiliated with Richmond DSA.[1]
Elections
2024
See also: City elections in Richmond, Virginia (2024)
General election
General election for Richmond City Council 7th Voter District
Incumbent Cynthia Newbille defeated Eric Sundberg in the general election for Richmond City Council 7th Voter District on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Cynthia Newbille (Nonpartisan) | 66.5 | 8,098 |
 | Eric Sundberg (Nonpartisan)  | 32.8 | 4,000 | |
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.7 | 86 | ||
| Total votes: 12,184 | |||
| = 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
To view Sundberg's endorsements as published by their campaign, click here. Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Sundberg in this election.
2023
See also: Virginia House of Delegates elections, 2023
General election
General election for Virginia House of Delegates District 79
Rae Cousins won election in the general election for Virginia House of Delegates District 79 on November 7, 2023.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Rae Cousins (D) | 97.5 | 20,225 |
| Other/Write-in votes | 2.5 | 516 | ||
| Total votes: 20,741 | |||
| = 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. | ||||
Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Eric Sundberg (Independent)
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Virginia House of Delegates District 79
Rae Cousins defeated Ann-Frances Lambert and Richard Walker in the Democratic primary for Virginia House of Delegates District 79 on June 20, 2023.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Rae Cousins | 62.6 | 4,362 |
 | Ann-Frances Lambert | 30.0 | 2,086 | |
 | Richard Walker | 7.4 | 515 | |
| Total votes: 6,963 | |||
| = 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 Sundberg in this election.
Campaign themes
2024
Video for Ballotpedia
| Video submitted to Ballotpedia Released March 24, 2024 |
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Eric Sundberg completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Sundberg's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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I’m Eric Sundberg, a dedicated community advocate and candidate for Richmond’s 7th District City Council. I have a deep commitment to serving our community and improving the lives of my neighbors. My extensive experience working in government has equipped me with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of local governance. I have a proven track record of assisting constituents with casework, addressing their concerns, and ensuring they receive the support and services they need. I am running for City Council to bring a culture of public service and my experience to the forefront. I will advocate for policies that prioritize affordable housing, tenant protections, and a better quality of life for all Richmond residents.
- Housing is a fundamental human right, and I am committed to ensuring that every resident of the 7th District has a safe and stable place to call home. Richmond faces significant challenges with housing affordability, with many families struggling to keep up with rising rents and a lack of affordable housing options. As your City Council representative, I will work tirelessly to implement policies that increase affordable housing availability, protect tenants from unfair practices, and freeze the demolition of public housing until we can ensure that no one is left without a home. My goal is to create a city where housing security is a reality for all, not just for those who can afford it.
- Richmond deserves a government that is transparent, accountable, and truly serves the people. I believe that local government should be an advocate for its residents, not just a bureaucratic entity. My extensive experience working in government has taught me the importance of transparency and responsiveness, and I am committed to bringing those values to City Council. I will push for reforms that make government more accessible and responsive to the needs of our community, ensuring that decisions are made in the best interest of the people, not special interests. By advocating for a government that listens to and acts on the concerns of its constituents.
- The well-being of our community depends on the strength and support of our social services. As a candidate for City Council, I am committed to expanding these services to better support working families in the 7th District. Too many of our neighbors struggle to access the resources they need, whether it’s healthcare, childcare, or job training. I will work to expand and improve these services, ensuring that everyone has the tools they need to thrive. By investing in social services, we can build a stronger, more resilient community where every resident has the opportunity to succeed. My goal is to create a Richmond where no one is left behind, and where working families are given the support they need to build a better future.
• Housing for All: Increase affordable housing, strengthen tenant protections, and preserve public housing.
• Zoning Reform: Reform planning and zoning to promote affordability, walkability, and reduce car dependency.
• Sustainability: Reduce our carbon footprint, protect resources, and expand green infrastructure.
• Justice: Expand social services, support marginalized communities, and dismantle systemic barriers.
The City Council plays a crucial role in shaping local policy, representing the interests of constituents, and addressing issues that directly affect daily life in the community. It serves as a bridge between the people and the local government, ensuring that the voices of residents are heard in the decision-making process. This office has the power to make meaningful changes at the local level, impacting everything from housing and transportation to education and public safety.
I believe it’s important to resist hero worship, and while I admire many people, I think it’s essential to critique those you see as role models. Bernie Sanders is someone I greatly respect for his humility and dedication to public service. He has consistently emphasized that political change is about "us," not about the individual, and that collective action is necessary to achieve meaningful change. While I don’t always agree with his voting record, and believe he could do more to leverage his influence for working-class conditions, I admire his resistance to the cult of personality, which is crucial to preserving democracy.
I highly recommend The Color of Law by Richard Rothstein, which exposes the government’s role in racial segregation and exploitation, intentionally dividing the working class while enabling corporate profit from these divisions. This book underscores the systemic injustices that continue to affect our society and the importance of fighting for equitable policies. Additionally, Evicted by Matthew Desmond, Howard Zinn's A People’s History of the United States, and Strong Towns by Charles Marohn offer valuable insights into the struggles of working people and the need for resilient, community-focused urban development.
Integrity, transparency, and a commitment to serving the public are the most important characteristics for an elected official. They must be responsive to their constituents, act with honesty, and prioritize the needs of the community over personal or political gain. Additionally, they should be willing to listen, learn, and adapt to changing circumstances, always with the goal of improving the lives of the people they serve.
I believe that integrity, empathy, problem-solving skills, and humility are key qualities that would make me a successful officeholder. I’m committed to serving the community and always strive to listen to and learn from those I represent. I also understand the importance of accepting responsibility for shortcomings, sharing praise with others when successes are achieved, and continually reviewing and improving government actions.
The core responsibilities include advocating for the needs of the community, overseeing the city’s budget, and ensuring the effective delivery of essential services. An elected official must also be a voice for their constituents, engaging with them regularly to understand their concerns and working to implement policies that address those issues. Public engagement, transparency, and accountability are key to fulfilling these responsibilities effectively.
I want to leave a legacy of strengthening democracy and inspiring working people to recognize their exploitation and unite to protect our shared interests. My goal is to spread the message of collective action for the betterment of humankind today and for our children tomorrow. I believe in empowering people to take control of their lives and work together for a more just and equitable society.
The first historical event I remember is the 2000 presidential election between Al Gore and George Bush. I was 5 years old at the time and, being so young, I thought a presidential "race" meant that the candidates would literally run on a track. The voting location was at a school with a track, which reinforced this idea in my mind.
My first job was at a bookstore, where I worked for a year and a half. I started at minimum wage and was eventually given more responsibilities, including graphic design and item photographing. Despite these added duties, my promised raise was passed over multiple times. I also discovered that newer employees were facing similar issues with wage increases. This experience gave me a deep appreciation for the struggles of workers in America and the pressures they face to stay silent about unfair treatment.
My favorite book is "Animal Farm" by George Orwell. It serves as a powerful warning against hero worship and the dangers of ceding unchecked power to those who promise change. The book emphasizes the importance of always being critical of leaders, holding them accountable, and building systems of oversight into government to prevent abuses of power.
I would choose to be Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird. His unwavering commitment to justice, his moral courage, and his dedication to doing what’s right, even when it’s difficult, are qualities I deeply admire and strive to emulate in my own life.
The last song that got stuck in my head was "Cuando florezca el chuño," a Spanish and Quechua love/remorse song by Inka Marka.
I’ve struggled with anxiety for most of my life, though I was only diagnosed in recent years. This anxiety made me nervous and reserved, but I’ve always felt an immense responsibility to address and correct the injustices I see in the world. This drive to do good has pushed me to fight back against my nerves and do what is right for the many, not the few.
One lesser-known power of the City Council is its ability, as provided by the city charter, to create new offices and utilities. This includes the potential to establish a renewable energy utility, which has not yet been done. This power allows the Council to address emerging needs and challenges in innovative ways, and it’s a responsibility that could have significant implications for the city’s future.
While experience in government can be valuable, it doesn’t necessarily make someone qualified or a good leader. What matters most is how one manages government affairs, legislative priorities, and civic relations. My own experience in government has equipped me with the skills needed to navigate complex issues, but I also believe that a genuine commitment to serving the community and an understanding of local issues are just as important. Effective leadership requires a balance of experience, integrity, and a strong connection to the community.
Key skills include effective communication, problem-solving, collaboration, and a deep understanding of local governance. Additionally, humility is crucial—officeholders should be humble, accept responsibility for shortcomings, share praise with others, and review failures to improve in the future. These qualities ensure that leaders remain grounded, accountable, and focused on serving the community effectively.
City council's commitment to Vision Zero.
Financial transparency and government accountability are non-negotiable. Governments can unintentionally appear corrupt when they fail to communicate effectively with the public. It’s crucial for government officials to make all information accessible and understandable to citizens, even if it seems noncritical to some. Transparency is not just about avoiding corruption—it's about building trust and ensuring that every citizen feels informed and involved in the decisions that affect their lives.
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.
2023
Eric Sundberg did not complete Ballotpedia's 2023 Candidate Connection survey.
See also
2024 Elections
External links
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Candidate Richmond City Council 7th Voter District |
Personal |
Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on August 10, 2024
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