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Luisa Kuaea
Luisa Kuaea is an officeholder of the American Samoa Medicaid Office.
Kuaea (Democratic Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent American Samoa's At-Large Congressional District. She lost in the general election on November 5, 2024.
Kuaea completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Luisa Kuaea was born in Oakland, California. She earned a high school diploma from Encinal High School and a graduate degree from Brigham Young University in 2015. Her professional experience encompasses roles as a business owner and president, as well as a police officer.[1]
Kuaea has been affiliated with the following organizations:[1]
- Women's Coalition of American Samoa, former Vice Chair and Chairwoman
- BYU Alumni Chapter American Samoa
- American Samoa Chamber of Commerce
- American Samoa Democratic Party
- Feleti Barstow Public Library Board
- Pava'ia'i 3rd Ward Relief Society
Elections
2024
See also: United States House of Representatives election in American Samoa, 2024
General election
General election for U.S. House American Samoa At-large District
Incumbent Aumua Amata Radewagen defeated Luisa Kuaea, Fualaau Tago Lancaster, and Meleagi Suitonu-Chapman in the general election for U.S. House American Samoa At-large District on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Aumua Amata Radewagen (R) | 74.8 | 7,394 |
 | Luisa Kuaea (D)  | 18.6 | 1,840 | |
 | Fualaau Tago Lancaster (Independent) | 4.7 | 469 | |
 | Meleagi Suitonu-Chapman (D) | 1.9 | 185 | |
| Total votes: 9,888 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Endorsements
Kuaea received the following endorsements.
Campaign themes
2024
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Luisa Kuaea completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Kuaea'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 am a woman of faith, and my commitment to public service is deeply rooted in my upbringing and belief in serving others. I am passionate about advocating for the people of American Samoa on a federal level, addressing key issues such as economic development, worker wages, healthcare, and education. My experiences growing up in low-income housing, working as a school resource officer, and serving my community have fueled my dedication to ensuring our voices are heard.
As your Congresswoman, I will work tirelessly to represent our people, championing transparency, accountability, and collaboration to build a better future for all American Samoans.- New Leadership, New Ideas for American Samoa I offer new leadership with new ideas to address our island’s most pressing challenges. From economic development to job creation, I am committed to finding innovative solutions that will enhance opportunities for every American Samoan. My business background and community service experience uniquely position me to bring a results-driven approach to Congress. Together, we can build a stronger economy and create a brighter future for the next generation.
- A Strong Voice for Our People and Our Safety As the daughter of parents born and raised in Tutuila, I deeply understand our people’s values and needs. I will be a strong advocate for American Samoa in Washington, fighting for better wages, healthcare, education, and addressing our growing drug problem. As a former police officer, I know how critical it is to combat drug trafficking, and I will work with federal agencies like the DEA and FBI to protect our communities. I am committed to making sure that American Samoa has a voice that fights for its people and their safety.
- Transparency and Accountability Transparency and accountability are the cornerstones of my campaign. I believe in honest, open communication between elected officials and the people they serve. As your Congresswoman, I will ensure that our government is accountable and responsive to the needs of our community. I will prioritize what benefits the people of American Samoa, working collaboratively to restore trust in government and build a stronger, safer future for our islands.
I also deeply admire my parents, who immigrated from American Samoa and raised our family in the Bay Area. Despite the struggles common to many immigrants, they raised us in the gospel of Jesus Christ, teaching us the values of faith, hard work, and love. Through their guidance and sacrifices, they shaped us into the good people we are today. Their unwavering love and dedication continue to inspire me, and I aim to honor their legacy by living a life of service and integrity.
Covey’s concept of "proactivity"—taking responsibility for actions and choices—resonates deeply with my belief that leaders must take charge of the issues facing their communities. Instead of waiting for others to act, I believe in leading with vision, integrity, and a commitment to action. I apply this by listening to constituents, understanding their needs, and working on proactive solutions.
Another key idea, "begin with the end in mind," aligns with my focus on long-term strategies. Whether it's job creation, improving education, or healthcare, I believe in setting goals that benefit future generations. Every decision I make is rooted in building a stronger foundation for American Samoa’s economic and social growth.
Covey’s principle of "seek first to understand, then to be understood" guides my approach to leadership. Listening is the starting point of effective governance. I believe that to serve the people, I must understand their concerns and priorities through empathy, active listening, and open dialogue—whether in town halls or one-on-one.
Integrity means leaders act with honesty and fairness, guided by moral principles. Constituents need to trust that their elected officials will remain true to their word and uphold the values they represent.
Accountability ensures that leaders take responsibility for their actions and decisions. This builds trust and confidence in government. Accountable leaders are accessible, listen to concerns, admit mistakes, and work to improve.
Transparency is vital for maintaining public trust. Elected officials should openly communicate decisions and invite public involvement, ensuring the community understands how policies are shaped. Transparency fosters collaboration and trust between government and the people.
Compassion is essential, as elected officials must care deeply about the people they serve. Empathy helps leaders understand challenges and reflect community needs in policy. Compassionate leaders work to uplift vulnerable populations and drive positive change.
Finally, commitment to service defines true public leadership. Elected officials should serve with humility and dedication, putting the needs of the community before personal gain. Their role is to make a meaningful impact by addressing the needs of the people, ensuring that every decision benefits the greater good.
Compassion drives me to care deeply about people and their struggles. I listen to their stories and work to find solutions that improve their lives. Whether it’s advocating for families, veterans, or small businesses, I’m committed to making sure their needs are heard and addressed.
I’ve been told I have a gift for connecting with people, which helps me build strong relationships and trust. This ability allows me to listen, understand, and foster collaboration, creating solutions that genuinely reflect the community’s needs.
Representation: A Member of Congress must listen to their constituents, understand their concerns, and advocate for policies that improve their quality of life. They should prioritize local needs in national discussions and serve as the voice of their district.
Legislative Duties: Crafting and voting on laws is central to the role. A representative must carefully review legislation, propose new laws, and amend existing ones. Their votes should always consider the long-term well-being of their constituents.
Advocacy and Resource Allocation: Members must fight for their district, securing resources for key initiatives like infrastructure, healthcare, and education. They must ensure their community receives its fair share of federal funding and attention.
Oversight and Accountability: Providing oversight of the executive branch and federal agencies is crucial. Congress holds the power to check and balance the government, ensuring laws are implemented fairly, taxpayer funds are used appropriately, and any corruption or mismanagement is addressed.
Constituency Services: Representatives must assist constituents in navigating federal agencies, resolving issues with Social Security, veterans' benefits, or immigration. Being accessible and responsive helps build trust and strengthens the connection with the community.
I want to be remembered as someone who dedicated her life to uplifting others and creating opportunities for those who needed them most. Through my work and example, I hope to inspire the next generation to lead with compassion, integrity, and a commitment to serving their communities.
At the same time, one of my brothers was at Candlestick Park for Game 3 of the World Series, where the Oakland A's were playing the San Francisco Giants, and the game was interrupted by the earthquake. Another brother survived the collapse of the double-decker 880 freeway in Oakland, where 42 people tragically lost their lives. The images of crushed cars beneath the collapsed freeway became one of the most iconic and heartbreaking symbols of the disaster.
I admire her strong sense of purpose and her willingness to stand up for her people, even when faced with daunting challenges. Moana’s story inspires others to embrace their dreams, honor their roots, and fight for what they believe in. Plus, who wouldn’t want to sail the open seas and have a magical connection with the ocean?
High unemployment, low wages, and a lack of infrastructure force many of our young people to leave the island in search of better opportunities. Our education and healthcare systems are underfunded, leaving our youth and families with inadequate support. The rise in drug addiction and crime only adds to the sense of hopelessness for many.
Representation of the People: The House is known as the “People’s House” because its 435 members represent individual districts. The two-year election cycle holds representatives accountable and responsive to public needs.
Proportional Representation: The House is based on population size, ensuring more populated states have greater representation. This allows diverse voices to be heard across the nation.
Origin of Revenue Bills: Only the House has the authority to originate revenue bills. This gives the body most closely connected to the people control over taxation and spending, reflecting a core democratic principle.
Fast-Paced Legislative Process: With its structured rules, the House can move legislation more quickly, allowing for timely responses to emerging issues.
Diversity and Larger Membership: The size of the House fosters a broad representation of different viewpoints, political philosophies, and regions, providing a platform for a wide range of ideas.
However, fresh perspectives from those outside of politics are also valuable. People from business, education, or other sectors bring new ideas and practical solutions to government. They are often more connected to the daily challenges of their constituents, which can result in more grounded and innovative policymaking.
1. Economic Inequality: The growing wealth gap threatens social stability and opportunity. Addressing this will require raising wages, creating equitable job opportunities, and ensuring economic growth benefits everyone. Key investments in education, infrastructure, and job training are essential.
2. Climate Change: Climate change endangers public health, the economy, and national security. The U.S. must lead on sustainable energy, reduce carbon emissions, and adapt infrastructure to withstand environmental impacts. Economic growth must be balanced with environmental sustainability.
3. Political Polarization: Deep divisions have eroded trust in institutions and slowed progress on major issues. To bridge these divides, the focus must be on civil discourse and bipartisan cooperation, restoring respectful dialogue to advance key initiatives.
4. Healthcare Access: Millions of Americans still lack affordable healthcare. Expanding access, lowering costs, and addressing health disparities are essential for ensuring that all Americans live healthy lives.
5. War and U.S. Support for Israel: As a global superpower, the U.S. faces complex foreign policy challenges. Its involvement in conflicts and support for Israel are major concerns. While maintaining strong alliances is crucial, the U.S. must prioritize diplomacy and peace-building, ensuring that military actions and aid align with American values and long-term global security goals.
However, the short term can also be challenging. Representatives spend much of their time campaigning, which can sometimes detract from long-term policy-making. A longer term might allow for more focus on complex legislative issues, but the two-year cycle ensures that the House remains a true reflection of the people's will.
A key advantage of term limits is that they prevent the concentration of power. Incumbents often benefit from name recognition and resources that make it hard for new voices to emerge. Term limits open opportunities for diverse candidates with innovative ideas to step forward and serve.
Term limits also reduce the influence of special interests. Long-serving politicians can become too reliant on lobbyists, which distorts their focus on serving the people. Regular turnover in leadership helps ensure that elected officials remain committed to their constituents rather than external influences.
However, I recognize the value of experience and continuity. It’s important to strike a balance between bringing in new leadership and maintaining institutional knowledge. Experienced officials offer insights into complex legislative processes and long-term policy impacts, which are vital for effective governance. Any term limit policy should take this into account to benefit the people fully.
I aim to model myself after her in my commitment to fighting for equality, standing up for underrepresented voices, and prioritizing the needs of the people over politics. Like Chisholm, I believe in the power of grassroots engagement and staying true to my principles, even when it’s difficult. She demonstrated that a representative can be both a bold leader and a dedicated servant to their community, a balance I aspire to achieve.
Her story reflects the harsh realities that many single mothers face—dealing with trauma, financial instability, and the challenge of raising children alone. It’s a powerful reminder of the importance of creating support systems for families in similar situations, whether through better wages, accessible childcare, or mental health services. Her resilience drives me to advocate for stronger policies that help families like hers find stability and hope.
Compromise doesn’t mean abandoning core values or principles; rather, it reflects a willingness to listen to different perspectives, understand the concerns of others, and find solutions that benefit the greater good. By working together across party lines, policymakers can create more balanced and inclusive legislation that addresses the needs of a broader spectrum of people. This is particularly important when dealing with complex challenges like healthcare, education, and economic development, where rigid partisanship can stall progress.
In many cases, the most impactful laws and policies have been the result of compromise. When leaders are willing to engage in dialogue and make concessions where necessary, they create opportunities for progress that might not otherwise be possible. Compromise encourages bipartisanship, fosters civil dialogue, and builds trust among policymakers and the public.
However, it’s also important to know when compromise is not appropriate. There are certain fundamental rights and issues of justice that should never be compromised. Leaders must carefully consider when to stand firm on principle and when to work toward a solution that involves negotiation.
With this authority, I would advocate for federal funding that benefits working families, supports small businesses, and ensures that underrepresented territories, like American Samoa, receive their fair share of resources. It would also allow me to push for tax policies that encourage job creation, improve infrastructure, and provide relief for struggling families.
However, the House’s investigative powers must be used responsibly and with a focus on truth and fairness. Investigations should be conducted in a nonpartisan manner, aimed at gathering facts rather than scoring political points. They are most effective when they seek to address real concerns affecting the public, such as government spending, public health, and national security, rather than being driven by personal or political agendas.
House Committee on Natural Resources
This committee oversees U.S. territories like American Samoa, with jurisdiction over economic development, natural resource management, and infrastructure. It is key to addressing the unique needs of American Samoa and ensuring our voices are heard.
House Committee on Education and the Workforce
Focused on education and workforce development, this committee is vital for advocating for youth, improving access to education, and promoting fair wages and job opportunities.
House Committee on Veterans' Affairs
Many American Samoans serve in the U.S. military, and veterans' issues are a priority. This committee offers a platform to advocate for veterans' healthcare, benefits, and mental health services.
House Committee on Small Business
Small businesses drive American Samoa’s economy. This committee supports entrepreneurship and job creation, providing opportunities for me to advocate for resources and growth in our local economy.
Financial transparency ensures taxpayer dollars are used responsibly. Government spending should be open and accessible, with clear reports detailing how funds are allocated. This includes budgets, contracts, and public projects. When financial decisions are transparent, it promotes accountability, prevents corruption, and allows citizens to evaluate whether their leaders are acting in their best interests.
As an elected official, I would support legislation requiring regular financial disclosures, public access to government contracts, and detailed spending reports. The public deserves to know how their money is spent, and leaders must ensure every dollar is accounted for.
Government accountability means elected officials must be held responsible for their decisions. Leaders should be accessible, engage with the public, explain their actions, and admit mistakes when necessary. Accountability builds trust and ensures that representatives act with integrity.
I also support stronger oversight of government programs to ensure laws are implemented fairly, taxpayer funds are used properly, and corruption is addressed. Regular communication through town halls, forums, and transparent reporting is vital to maintaining trust.
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.
Campaign website
Kuaea’s campaign website stated the following:
| “ |
Federal Engagement and Collaboration Healthcare Reform and Accessibility Fighting the Drug Epidemic Transportation and Supply Chain Voter Engagement and Civic Participation |
” |
| —Luisa Kuaea’s campaign website (2024)[3] | ||
Campaign finance summary
Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.
See also
2024 Elections
External links
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Candidate U.S. House American Samoa At-large District |
Personal |
Footnotes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on October 1, 2024
- ↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ Luisa Kuaea’s campaign website, “Vision,” accessed October 22, 2024
