Robert Morales Vergara
Elections and appointments
Education
Personal
Contact
Robert Morales Vergara ran for election to the Wake County Public School System to represent District 4 in North Carolina. He lost in the general election on November 5, 2024. Morales Vergara unofficially withdrew from the race but appeared on the general election ballot on November 5, 2024.
Morales Vergara (Republican Party) also ran for election to the U.S. House to represent North Carolina's 2nd Congressional District. He lost in the Republican primary on March 5, 2024.
Morales Vergara completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2023. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Robert Morales was born in Bayamón, Puerto Rico. He earned a high school diploma from Papa Juan XXIII High School. He earned a bachelor's degree from the Inter American University of Puerto Rico in 2019. His career experience includes working as a politician.[1][2]
Elections
2024
Wake County school board
See also: Wake County Public School System, North Carolina, elections (2024)
General election
Endorsements
U.S. House
See also: North Carolina's 2nd Congressional District election, 2024
North Carolina's 2nd Congressional District election, 2024 (March 5 Democratic primary)
North Carolina's 2nd Congressional District election, 2024 (March 5 Republican primary)
General election
Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
Democratic primary election
Republican primary election
Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
Green primary election
The Green primary election was canceled. Michael Dublin advanced from the Green primary for U.S. House North Carolina District 2.
Endorsements
2024
Wake County school board
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Robert Morales Vergara completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Morales Vergara's responses.
Who are you? Tell us about yourself.
Robert Morales Vergara is a dedicated advocate for education, community empowerment, and innovative leadership. Born and raised in a disadvantaged community in Puerto Rico, Robert has a deep understanding of the challenges faced by underprivileged communities. He chose Raleigh to be his home when he was 24 years old, a decision that reflects his deep connection to the community he now aims to serve on the School Board.
Robert served as an advisor to the Secretary of Education from 2015 to 2016 and Special Assistant to the Governor from 2017 to 2021, demonstrating his long-standing commitment to educational excellence and student advocacy from an early age. His recent proximity to being a high school graduate allows him to bring a fresh, youthful perspective to the board, making him a vital voice for the youth population of Wake County.
Throughout his career, Robert has been committed to fostering strategic partnerships and mobilizing collective action. His work in Raleigh, Durham, and Puerto Rico, and his involvement with family services, underscore his dedication to serving the community and ensuring fair access to resources and opportunities. Having been part of a special education program from kindergarten to 12th grade, he understands the unique challenges and needs of these students. After high school, Robert went to college and started a BA in Political Science, furthering his dedication to public service and leadership. 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?
- Advocating for Soft Skills Development: Robert Morales emphasizes the importance of soft skills in students' overall education. He believes that fostering communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence is crucial for students' personal and professional success. Robert is dedicated to implementing programs that integrate soft skills training into the curriculum, ensuring students are well-rounded and prepared for various life challenges.
- Promoting Career Readiness: Recognizing that college is not the only path to success, Robert Morales advocates for robust career readiness programs. He aims to enhance vocational training and partnerships with local businesses to provide students with hands-on experience and direct entry into the workforce. His goal is to prepare students for a variety of career paths, ensuring they have the skills and opportunities needed to thrive in the job market.
- Supporting Special Education: Robert Morales is committed to improving and expanding Special Education services within Wake County. He understands the unique challenges faced by students with special needs and their families. Robert's campaign focuses on ensuring equitable resources, personalized support, and inclusive environments that cater to the diverse needs of all students, empowering them to reach their full potential.
What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
Special Education: Robert Morales is dedicated to advancing policies that support students with disabilities. He champions the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which ensures that children with disabilities have the right to a free and appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment. Robert is committed to improving services, resources, and training for educators to better serve these students, ensuring they receive the individualized support they need to thrive.
Career and Technical Education (CTE): Understanding the importance of preparing students for diverse career paths, Robert Morales advocates for strengthening Career and Technical Education programs.
Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?
Robert Morales looks up to Ronald Reagan for his leadership qualities and the profound impact he had on the country. Morales admires Reagan's ability to communicate effectively, inspire optimism, and bring people together across political divides. He values Reagan's emphasis on personal responsibility, economic freedom, and limited government intervention, which he believes are essential principles for effective governance.
Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?
For those interested in understanding Robert Morales's political philosophy, he highly recommends reading "The Road to Character" by David Brooks. This book delves into the importance of personal integrity, humility, and moral virtues, aligning closely with Robert's values and approach to leadership. Brooks's exploration of character development and the emphasis on serving others resonates deeply with Robert's commitment to public service and community empowerment.
What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?
Integrity: Integrity is foundational for any elected official. It involves honesty, transparency, and consistency in actions and decisions. An official with integrity builds trust with constituents by demonstrating ethical behavior and holding themselves accountable.
Commitment to Public Service: A genuine dedication to serving the community is essential. This principle emphasizes prioritizing the needs and well-being of the public over personal interests, working tirelessly to improve the lives of constituents.
Empathy and Compassion: Understanding and addressing the diverse needs of the community requires empathy and compassion. An effective elected official listens to and respects the experiences and concerns of all constituents, advocating for inclusive policies that benefit everyone.
Fiscal Responsibility: Stewardship of public funds is a significant responsibility. Elected officials must manage resources wisely, ensuring that taxpayer money is used efficiently and effectively to serve the community’s best interests.What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?
Robert Morales believes that his qualities of integrity, dedication, and strong communication skills would make him a successful officeholder. His commitment to transparency and ethical behavior ensures that he operates with the highest standards of honesty and accountability. Morales's dedication to public service drives him to tirelessly advocate for the needs of his constituents and to work towards creating positive change in his community.
What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?
The core responsibilities for someone elected to this office include advocating for the interests and needs of all constituents, ensuring their voices are heard in decision-making processes, and serving as a bridge between the community and government. This involves crafting, supporting, and enacting policies that address key community issues such as education, public safety, and economic development, while staying informed about current issues and best practices. Overseeing the allocation and use of public funds responsibly is crucial, ensuring transparency and accountability in budgeting processes to maximize resource efficiency. Maintaining open and accessible communication with constituents, actively seeking their input, and fostering community participation in governance are essential for effective representation.
What legacy would you like to leave?
Robert Morales aims to leave a legacy of educational excellence and community empowerment, with a particular focus on career readiness. He envisions a school system where every student is equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in a rapidly changing world.
What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?
Appointed to serve under the Governor's Cabinet when I was 21 years old.
What was your very first job? How long did you have it?
AT&T Retail salesperson, 2 years.
If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?
If Robert Morales could be any fictional character, he would choose Captain America. He admires Captain America's unwavering sense of justice, integrity, and dedication to protecting others.
What is the primary job of a school board member in your view?
In Robert Morales's view, the primary job of a school board member is to ensure that every student receives a high-quality education in a safe and supportive environment. This involves setting policies, approving the budget, and overseeing the administration to ensure that schools operate efficiently and effectively. School board members also serve as advocates for students, parents, teachers, and the community, working to address their needs and concerns.
Who are your constituents?
How would you support the diverse needs of your district’s students, faculty, staff, and community?
Robert Morales is committed to supporting the diverse needs of his district’s students, faculty, staff, and community through various approaches. He will advocate for policies that promote fairness within the school district, ensuring that curriculum and instructional materials address the needs of all learners, including those from underrepresented and marginalized communities. Engaging regularly with parents, community leaders, and local organizations, Morales aims to address community concerns collaboratively. He will advocate for comprehensive support services, including mental health resources, counseling, and after-school programs, and promote anti-bullying initiatives and restorative justice practices to ensure safe and welcoming schools.
How will you build relationships with members of the broader community? Which groups, organizations, stakeholders will you specifically target?
Robert Morales plans to build strong relationships with members of the broader community through proactive engagement, collaboration, and open communication. His approach includes targeting specific groups, organizations, and stakeholders to ensure a well-rounded and respectful dialogue that addresses the diverse needs of the community.
What constitutes good teaching? How will you measure this? How will you support advanced teaching approaches?
Robert Morales aims to create an educational environment that not only recognizes and rewards good teaching but also continually supports and promotes advanced teaching approaches for the benefit of all students.
In what areas would you like to expand curriculum? For example, do you see a need for advanced technical training or apprenticeships? What sort of innovative programming would you advance if given the opportunity?
Robert Morales is eager to expand the curriculum in several key areas to better prepare students for the future. He sees a significant need for advanced technical training and apprenticeships that provide hands-on experience and direct pathways into the workforce. By partnering with local businesses and industries, he aims to create programs that align with current market demands and offer students valuable skills and certifications. Additionally, Morales is committed to enhancing career readiness and soft skills development, integrating these essential competencies into the curriculum to ensure students are equipped with communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities. Recognizing the unique needs of students with disabilities, he advocates for expanding and improving special education programs, providing individualized support and resources to help every student succeed. If given the opportunity, Morales would advance innovative programming that blends traditional academics with practical experience, ensuring a holistic education that prepares all students for diverse career paths and life challenges.
What strategies or plans would you advance to ensure the schools are properly funded?
Robert Morales aims to secure the necessary funding to support a high-quality, fairness education for all students in the district. His commitment to advocacy, efficiency, and community engagement will help ensure that schools are adequately funded to meet the diverse needs of their students.
What principles drive your policies for safety in schools?
Robert Morales's policies for school safety are driven by principles of prevention, preparedness, and community involvement. He believes in creating a safe and secure learning environment through proactive measures such as implementing comprehensive safety plans, conducting regular drills, and utilizing modern security technologies. Morales emphasizes the importance of mental health support and anti-bullying programs to address potential issues before they escalate. He also advocates for strong collaboration with local government, parents, and community organizations to ensure a coordinated approach to safety.
How might you support the mental health needs of students/faculty/staff?
Robert Morales is committed to supporting the mental health needs of students, faculty, and staff through comprehensive and proactive measures. He advocates for increased access to mental health professionals in schools, such as counselors and psychologists, ensuring that individuals have the support they need. Morales supports implementing regular mental health screenings and providing ongoing training for faculty and staff to recognize and address mental health issues early. Additionally, he emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive and fairness school environment where mental health is openly discussed and destigmatized. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, one in five youth experiences a mental health disorder, highlighting the urgent need for these measures.
What existing district policies would you like to change, or what new policies would you like to implement?
Morales seeks to implement new policies that prioritize mental health for students, faculty, and staff. This involves increasing the number of mental health professionals in schools, integrating mental health education into the curriculum, and providing regular training for staff to identify and support those in need.
He advocates for expanding Career and Technical Education programs to provide students with more opportunities for hands-on learning and career preparation. This includes establishing partnerships with local businesses and industries to create internships, apprenticeships, and vocational training programs.
He supports revising policies to enhance special education services, ensuring that students with disabilities receive individualized support and resources tailored to their unique needs. This includes reducing class sizes, increasing staff training, and ensuring compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Morales aims to incorporate soft skills development into the curriculum, ensuring that students graduate with essential life skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence. This can be achieved through project-based learning, extracurricular activities, and dedicated courses on personal development.What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?
Describe your ideal learning environment for students.
Robert Morales envisions an ideal learning environment for students as one that is fairness, engaging, and supportive. This environment fosters a culture of respect and collaboration, where every student feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential. Classrooms are equipped with modern technology and resources, providing interactive and personalized learning experiences that cater to diverse learning styles and needs. Skilled and compassionate educators guide students through a curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and real-world application.
How do you feel like your school district handled the coronavirus pandemic? What, if anything, would you do differently in the future?
Robert Morales acknowledges that the school district faced unprecedented challenges during the coronavirus pandemic and made significant efforts to adapt to the situation. He appreciates the swift transition to remote learning and the measures taken to ensure student safety. However, he believes there are areas for improvement in future crisis management. Morales would advocate for better communication with parents, students, and staff to provide clear and consistent updates.
What will you do to build a relationship with parents in the district?
Robert Morales is committed to building strong relationships with parents in the district through transparent communication, active engagement, and collaborative initiatives.
What are your preferred strategies for faculty, staff, and administration recruitment?
Robert Morales advocates for comprehensive and strategic approaches to recruiting faculty, staff, and administration that prioritize excellence and community alignment.
What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?
Robert Morales believes that financial transparency and government accountability are cornerstones of a healthy democracy and effective governance. He advocates for clear, accessible, and comprehensive reporting of public funds to ensure that taxpayers understand how their money is being used. Transparency in budgeting and expenditures fosters trust between the government and the community, making it possible for citizens to hold their elected officials accountable.
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.
U.S. House
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Robert Morales Vergara completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2023. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Morales Vergara's responses.
Who are you? Tell us about yourself.
Robert Morales is a dedicated public servant with a strong foundation in conservative values and a deep commitment to strengthening communities. Born into a family deeply rooted in public service and conservative principles, Robert was influenced by his father's 25 years of dedication to serving the public and his mother's passionate advocacy for traditional family values.
Growing up in Puerto Rico, Robert witnessed the erosion of traditional values, which fueled his determination to preserve these principles. He began higher education at the Inter-American University of Puerto Rico, balancing academics with employment, while continuing to dedicate himself to his mission of serving Puerto Rican citizens.
Robert's career in public service took off when he joined the Office of the Governor, where he strategically identified and utilized federal funding opportunities to empower Puerto Rican communities. His commitment to conservative principles, including fiscal responsibility and limited government, made him a formidable figure in politics.
His impact extended beyond his official duties when he founded the First Governor's Office Internship Program, broadening access to government decision-making for like-minded individuals. Robert's talents led him to serve in Durham, NC, where he continued to champion community development and economic growth.
Currently serving in Raleigh, NC, Robert Morales remains dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for residents. 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?
- Strong Conservative Values: Robert's campaign emphasizes a steadfast commitment to conservative principles such as fiscal responsibility, limited government, and individual liberty. He believes in preserving the traditions and values that have made our nation strong, ensuring that government serves the people, not the other way around.
- Community Empowerment: Robert is dedicated to strengthening communities by identifying and utilizing federal funding opportunities effectively. His track record of fostering economic growth and individual liberty in Durham, NC and Raleigh, NC, reflects his passion for improving the lives of residents. He aims to bring these successful initiatives to a broader audience.
- Proven Leadership: With years of experience in public service and a reputation as a tenacious and effective conservative political figure, Robert Morales has a track record of responsible fiscal management and unwavering dedication to his principles. Voters can trust him to deliver results and make a positive impact in local government.
What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
Robert Morales is deeply passionate about several key areas of public policy, firmly rooted in conservative principles:
Fiscal Responsibility: Robert believes in prudent stewardship of taxpayers' money. He advocates for policies that ensure the government spends wisely, eliminates wasteful practices, and maintains a balanced budget. His commitment to fiscal responsibility aims to secure a prosperous future for all. Secure Funding for Cancer Research: Robert is dedicated to securing adequate funding for cancer research. Recognizing the devastating impact of this disease on countless families, he strives to prioritize the health and well-being of citizens by supporting research for innovative treatments and, ultimately, a cure. Parental Choice in Education: Robert stands for parents' freedom to choose the best educational options for their children. He supports policies that empower parents to make decisions about their children's education, whether through public, private, or homeschooling. His focus is on putting families first. Community Harmony: Robert advocates for policies that promote unity, encourage civic engagement, and foster community harmony. He understands that strong communities are built on shared values, respect, and cooperation, and he works to create safe, vibrant neighborhoods where everyone can thrive. Rights and Freedoms: As a staunch defender of constitutional rights and freedoms, Robert prioritizes individual liberty.Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?
President Donald J. Trump
What was your very first job? How long did you have it?
Public Servant for over 10 years in Puerto Rico and North Carolina
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
Morales’s campaign website stated the following:
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FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY
Wage an unrelenting battle for budgetary reform. We'll slash superfluous government programs, cut through bureaucratic red tape, and enforce strict fiscal discipline.
PARENTAL CHOICE IN EDUCATION
Stand behind school choice initiatives, including vouchers and charter schools.
IMMIGRATION
Border security, streamline legal immigration processes, and ensure that individuals who follow the rules are given the opportunity to contribute to our country's economic and cultural growth.
RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS
Shield the right to free speech and the right to bear arms from any encroachments by opposing restrictive legislation.
COMMUNITY HARMONY
Back initiatives that promote community engagement, open dialogue, and collaboration for a stronger and safer society.
SECURE FUNDING FOR CANCER RESEARCH
Rally for the redistribution of federal grants towards cancer research.
SOCIAL SECURITY
All Social Security benefits, including retirement, survivor, and disability benefits, needs become tax-free at the federal level.
HOMELESSNESS & QUALITY OF LIFE
We must end "tent cities" and relocate funds for safe shelters to help the homeless and substances users get off the streets.
LOWER THE COST OF EVERYDAY LIFE
Secure residences, focusing on cost-effective living solutions.
SECURE FUNDING FOR ALZHEIMER AND DEMENTIA RESEARCH
Unite for a prudent reevaluation of federal spending on scientific research, with a targeted emphasis on addressing pressing health concerns like dementia and Alzheimer's.
INVESTIGATE THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
Investigate the U.S. Department of Justice regarding actions against president Trump and preventing future injustices against American citizens.
INVESTIGATE THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN'S $1.9 TRILLION ALLOCATION
To ensure transparency, accountability, and evidence-based policymaking, Robert propose the establishment of the National Economic Recovery Oversight Commission Act (NEROCA).[3]
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| —Robert Morales’s campaign website (2024)[4]
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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
External links
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on September 10, 2023
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on July 18, 2024
- ↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ Morales for U.S. Congress, “Priorities,” accessed January 22, 2024
