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Building a Brighter Future Together

"All that is required for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing." - Edmund Burke

I will say it now and say it straight. I am a man who has a life full of moments of growth and challenge. I do not bring flawlessness to the Office of Mayor, but I bring a wealth of experiences and a mastery of building bridges and mediating through very hard challenges. I offer myself fully to the City of Surprise and my fellow residents, knowing that even though it is impossible to please everyone, I will work hard and tirelessly for everyone who lives in and visits our community.   


I am a native Arizonan with a love for the Valley and my state, but I am not a polished politician. My family settled in Phoenix in the 1950s. Both of my parents were raised here at a time when the desert began at 35th Avenue. My father graduated from Sunnyslope and my mom from Maryvale. I grew up and attended Moon Valley High School until my senior year when my parents moved to Waddell and I graduated from Agua Fria. I have watched our West Valley farm community go from a gas station stop on the way to Vegas to the amazingly vibrant city that we are blessed to live in today!

Write-in Ed Cunningham for Mayor on your ballot in July to bring the best leadership to our city for the now and the future.

Mission

“A city grows right when people put in work, and service, the fruits of which they might never get to taste.” 

We as residents of Surprise have to work together for the now with an eye on what we will leave to our children. Our city works hard today to overcome some decisions made years ago that had little mind to the future. As we work to overcome these obstacles we need to shift our minds towards not repeating the same types of choices and instead, make decisions that will set an even stronger foundation for the future of those who live here now, and will live here in years to come.

Vision

Read Ed's Full Vision Here

Transparency

Transparency is absolutely necessary for every organization and business that serves the public.   

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Community Identity

Community identity is important . . .  it brings us together with a common vision of who we are as Surprise residents

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Intelligent Growth

Balancing past growth with future development ensures decisions that future generations will be proud of. 

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Water Rights Retention

Managing water availability and retaining control over our water rights is essential for sustainable growth. 

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Our First Responders

Ensuring our first responders are well-trained and equipped while maintaining fiscal responsibility is vital. 

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Crisis Preparedness

Even though we are a statistically safe city, we are not completely removed from the possibility of a crisis . . .

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Read More About Ed's Vision

Get involved

Passionate about making a difference in Surprise? Join Ed Cunningham’s campaign as a volunteer and help us build a brighter future for our community. Click here to sign up and get involved today!

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Ed Cunningham: A Leader Committed to Service and Community

Ed Cunningham is a dynamic and dedicated member of the Surprise community, bringing a wealth of experience and a vision for a brighter future. His journey has been marked by diverse roles, a deep commitment to service, community, and leadership, and an entrepreneurial spirit that has driven his success.

Ed Cunningham standing on a stage

Early Years

Ed Cunningham's Kindergarten Class

From a young age, Ed was taught the value of hard work and perseverance. Starting with a paper route at the age of eight and working alongside his uncle in home renovation from ten to thirteen, he learned early on that success is earned through effort and dedication. These early experiences shaped his work ethic and instilled a sense of responsibility that has guided him throughout his life. Ed's life journey took him through significant challenges, including a period of homelessness, which gave him a profound understanding of the struggles many face and the importance of mentorship and community support.

Be Part of the Change

Your donation can propel Ed Cunningham’s campaign forward and help us achieve our goals for a better Surprise. Click here to donate and make a difference today!

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Veteran and Former Firefighter

Ed Cunningham singing in Uniform
Ed's career began in the military, where he developed a strong sense of duty, leadership, and resilience. Following his military service, he followed his dream of music and started a career in Music as a demo singer and amateur songwriter in Nashville. He helped build the business singingsuccess.com with his vocal coach Brett Manning but unfortunately, his family went through a trial that brought them back to Arizona to be around family as they rebuilt. Ed found passion and pride in building a new career as a firefighter and paramedic in El Mirage, dedicating himself to protecting the lives and properties of others.  Over over a decade in the fire service, Ed served as an Engineer, Public Information Officer (PIO), Union representative, and Honor Guard lead. This role further honed his ability to remain calm under pressure and reinforced his commitment to community service.

Business Owner

Ed Cunningham standing in front of sign that says This Restaurant is an indepently owned and operated franchise of Firehouse Subs
In 2016, Ed left the fire service to achieve another dream: opening a restaurant. As a Firehouse Subs franchisee, Ed continued his service to first responders and military personnel through his charity work and raising money for grants via the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation. Ed’s restaurant quickly became one of the highest-grossing franchises, a testament to his leadership and business acumen.

Support Our Vision

Your time and effort can make a huge impact! Volunteer with Ed Cunningham's campaign and contribute to the positive change we want to see in Surprise. Sign up now to get started!

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Empowering Employees and Driving Business Success

Ed Cunningham in a Gru costome in his business

Ed’s entrepreneurial spirit and business success are marked by a focus on empowering employees and fostering a positive work environment. By encouraging personal responsibility and ownership, Ed reduced turnover and created a thriving business ranked #1 among over 1,300 Firehouse Subs locations. His innovative marketing strategies, particularly his use of social media, played a crucial role in this success. Faced with personal and financial challenges, Ed leveraged his knowledge of social media to build a local following and create a community around his restaurant, resulting in exceptional business performance and a real family and community centered place to gather. This experience confirmed a lesson an old mentor of Ed’s once taught him. “Never pursue Money… Pursue enriching the lives of those around you, and money and success will find you.”



Innovating for Firefighter Safety

Ed Cunningham in fire fighter gear seated on a bucket that says Official Rehnke Decon Kit

Recognizing the growing issue of cancer among firefighters, Ed developed the Rehnke Decon Kit to help prevent his fellow firefighters from contracting occupational cancer. Named after Capt. Dave Rehnke, a Peoria firefighter battling kidney cancer, this innovative solution detoxifies firefighting gear to remove deep-seated toxins and carcinogens. This initiative underscored Ed’s dedication to improving the safety and health of first responders.


First Responder Decon remains a passion for Ed with the goal of eradicating work related cancers among first responders. “What most people don’t know is once we (firefighters) exit the structure, our gear becomes so saturated with these toxins, that it becomes our greatest threat." Says Ed.

Invest in Our Future

Help us build a thriving community by contributing to Ed Cunningham’s campaign. Every donation counts! Click here to support our mission and invest in the future of Surprise.

Contribute to Ed's Campaign

Journey to Mayor

Ed Cunningham is now running for Mayor of Surprise as a write-in candidate with a mission to serve and uplift the residents of Surprise. His vision for the city includes promoting transparency, unity, and intelligent growth, ensuring that everyone enjoys the freedoms and opportunities that Surprise offers. With a focus on empowering local businesses, supporting first responders, and enhancing community life, Ed is committed to building a brighter future for all residents.

Ed Cunningham standing with arms crossed next to text that reads Support Government Transparency, Unify our Community, Recreation and Parks Enhancement, Protecting Water Rights, Resident Outreach, Intelligent Growth, Strategic Planning, Equipped First Responders.  The  first letter of each word spells Surprise.  At the bottom is a graphic that says Ed Cunningham Write-in for Mayor of Suprise

Make Your Voice Count: Write in Ed Cunningham for Mayor!

Your support is crucial to our mission of building a brighter future for Surprise. By writing in Ed Cunningham on your ballot on July 30th, you are choosing transparency, unity, and intelligent growth for our community.

Get Involved

Passionate about making a difference? Join our team of dedicated volunteers and help spread the word. Every bit of help brings us closer to our goal.

Volunteer

Support Our Vision

Your contributions can propel Ed Cunningham’s campaign forward. Contribute today and invest in the future of Surprise.

Contribute

Show Your Support

Support Ed Cunningham's campaign for Mayor of Surprise by proudly displaying a yard sign in your front yard. Your visible support can make a significant impact, spreading the word and encouraging others to join our mission for a brighter future.  Request your yard sign today and let’s work together to promote transparency, unity, and growth in our community!