Practical Leadership That Delivers Real Results
I’m Alex Andrade, a lifelong Democrat, City Councilmember, small business owner, and longtime community volunteer. I’ve seen what works and what doesn’t when policies hit real communities.
I’m running for State Representative to bring practical, balanced solutions to Olympia that actually work for families, small businesses, and our district.
Why Alex
Why I’m Running
I’ve seen firsthand how decisions made in Olympia don’t always match what’s happening in our communities.
Cities are left to figure it out. Families feel the impact. Small businesses carry the burden.
We’ve focused heavily on responding to crises, but not enough on preventing them. When we fall behind on education, early childhood support, and access to treatment, the consequences show up everywhere else.
I’m running to bring a practical, local perspective to Olympia and focus on solutions that actually work in the real world.
Safe and Stable Communities
Keep communities safe and stable
Support tools for behavioral health and public safety
Support our officers and first responders so they can effectively serve our communities
Education and Early Childhood
Strengthen K–12 education and student support
Expand early learning and childcare access
Support pathways including college, trades, and workforce readiness
Supporting Small Businesses and Local Jobs
Strengthen local economies
Support small businesses and job growth
Protect small businesses from policies that create unnecessary burdens
Housing and Stability
Connect people to shelter, treatment, and long-term recovery
Focus on balanced, effective approaches
Investing in Our Communities
Invest in infrastructure and community services
Improve overall quality of life
Protecting Our Environment
Support clean air and water for our communities
Invest in sustainable infrastructure and local environmental solutions
Balance environmental responsibility with economic realities
Accountable and Effective Government
Promote fiscal responsibility
Support effective local governance
What I've Done
Meet Alex
Priorities
Public Safety That Works
Safe communities are the foundation of opportunity and stability. Public safety requires a balanced approach that protects neighborhoods while ensuring people in crisis receive the right help. As a Burien City Councilmember, I supported expanding co-response teams that pair first responders with behavioral health professionals, ensuring people experiencing mental health crises receive appropriate care. I also supported responsible policies to address large unmanaged encampments in public spaces while continuing to push for real pathways toward stability and recovery. In Olympia, I will support policies that strengthen public safety while respecting the ability of local communities to respond to their unique challenges.
Economic Balance for Workers and Small Businesses
Working families deserve fair wages and economic opportunity. At the same time, small businesses must be able to survive and grow. As a small business owner, I understand firsthand the pressures of payroll, rising costs, and regulation. On the City Council, I supported raising the minimum wage. In the Legislature, I will advocate for policies that support workers, encourage entrepreneurship, and ensure economic growth remains sustainable for both employees and employers.
Local Control and Responsible Governance
Local leaders understand their communities best. Cities and towns should have the ability to make decisions that reflect their unique needs rather than being forced to comply with one-size-fits-all mandates. On the City Council, I have worked to ensure our city has a voice in regional and state conversations, advocating for responsible policies that consider the real impacts on local governments. In Olympia, I will ensure state policies respect local decision-making and do not impose unfunded mandates that strain city budgets or limit the ability of communities to respond effectively.
Housing, Recovery, and Long-Term Stability
Washington’s housing and homelessness challenges require solutions that focus on long-term stability, recovery, and accountability. We must expand access to housing options while ensuring services address the underlying challenges many people face, including mental health and substance use disorders. Compassionate policy must also produce measurable results. In the Legislature, I will support solutions that invest in housing, treatment, and recovery programs while ensuring resources are used effectively to help people regain independence and stability.
Practical Leadership
Good leadership means listening to the community, making thoughtful decisions, and being willing to adjust when policies are not producing the results people were promised. Throughout my time on the City Council, I have focused on balanced, results-driven decision-making. My approach is simple: support policies that work, improve those that need adjustment, and reject those that create unintended consequences for families, workers, and small businesses. In Olympia, I will continue to bring that same practical, community-focused leadership to the decisions that shape Washington’s future.
