About Andrew Barkis

One of nine children growing up in Chehalis, Washington, Andrew learned the value of hard work early, starting his first neighborhood landscaping business and a local newspaper route at age 11. These early experiences—earning money to help his family through challenging times—formed the foundation for a lifetime of leadership. As an Eagle Scout, he honed the skills that would eventually lead him to public service.

Andrew’s path continued at Seattle University, where he earned a degree in Communications and completed the Army ROTC program. While he intended to serve as an officer, a knee injury during final training redirected his career toward the private sector.

Fresh out of school, Andrew began managing an apartment building in Seattle and has been a fixture in the property management industry for over 30 years. As the owner of Hometown Property Management in Lacey, he holds a Master Property Manager (MPM) certification, while his company is a Certified Residential Management Company (CRMC). He remains a dedicated member of the Olympia chapter of the National Association of Residential Property Managers.

Since February 2016, Andrew has represented the 2nd Legislative District in the Washington State House of Representatives. Now in his 10th year of service, he is a key leader in Olympia, currently serving as the Ranking Republican on the House Transportation Committee. In this role, he is a champion for fiscal responsibility, prioritizing road maintenance and bridge preservation—such as his recent work on the Fairfax Bridge emergency—while fighting against new taxes.

His legislative priorities are driven by his experience as a small business owner and a deep personal commitment to his community:

• Housing: He is a leading voice on the House Housing Committee, advocating for increased housing supply and removing bureaucratic barriers to affordable development.

• Affordability: Andrew is a vocal opponent of state income taxes and gas tax increases, focusing on lowering the cost of living for Washington families.

• Public Safety: He remains dedicated to addressing the drug epidemic, a cause informed by the personal impact of addiction within his own family.

Andrew is a staple of South Puget Sound civic life, maintaining long-term memberships with the Lacey and Yelm Chambers of Commerce, Lacey Sunrise Lions, and Gateway Rotary of Thurston County. He continues to work actively with The Boys and Girls Club and with Boy Scout Troop 222 since 2000.

Andrew and his wife, Lisa, have been married for over 30 years and live on Lake St. Clair in Thurston County. They are the proud parents of two grown sons, Cameron and Evan. When not in Olympia or at the office, the family enjoys the outdoors, specifically hiking and camping throughout the Pacific Northwest.