Representative Andrew Barkis

Biography

Rep. Andrew Barkis represents the 2nd Legislative District. He was first appointed to the state House of Representatives in February 2016 and is currently serving his fourth term as a state representative.

Andrew was born and raised in Chehalis. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout through the Boy Scouts of America, the highest achievement that can be attained in scouting. He is a graduate of Seattle University with a degree in Communications. He also completed the university’s Army ROTC program. While he had hopes of becoming an army officer, a knee injury sustained during training ended his goal of military service.

Since 2019, Andrew has served as the ranking Republican on the House Transportation Committee. As one of the state’s transportation budget leaders, he is a champion for fiscal responsibility, sensible reform, and reprioritization. His goals are to keep costs down, stop forced taxes on drivers, and complete projects with existing state revenue.

Andrew’s personal knowledge, experience, and leadership as a local business owner has spurred his drive to address the housing and homelessness crisis that continues to grip Washington state. One of his main priorities is increasing housing supply. He continues to push for the removal of unnecessary barriers that keep affordable housing from being built throughout the state.

Due to the deeply personal impact opioid and heroin addiction has had on his family, Andrew has also prioritized fighting the state’s drug epidemic by supporting law enforcement’s efforts to provide resources to help get individuals, and drugs, off the street.

Andrew and his wife, Lisa, live on Lake St. Clair in Thurston County and have been married for more than 30 years. They have two grown sons, Cameron and Evan. They enjoy spending time outdoors, especially hiking and camping around the Pacific Northwest.

Andrew is an active member in his community and serves in several community organizations, including the Lacey Chamber of Commerce, Yelm Chamber of Commerce, Gateway Rotary of Thurston County, Lacey Sunrise Lions, the National Federation of Independent Businesses, and the Olympia chapter of the National Association of Residential Property Managers. He has also been involved with Boy Scouts Troop 222 since 2000 and served on the board of the Thurston County Boys and Girls Club for six years. He currently advises for Homes First.