Andres Valleza

Andres Valleza was born in Sunnyside, Washington. He graduated from Granite Falls High School. He earned a bachelor's degree from Washington State University in 2018. His career experience includes working as a public servant, parole officer, and juvenile counselor.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Hello my friends. If we haven't met before, I am Andres Valleza, Congressional Candidate for Washington’s 8th District. I’m here today not just as a public servant, but as someone who believes deeply in protecting what matters most.

I was born and raised in small-town Washington. I’ve worked in our schools, in group homes with foster kids, in juvenile detention centers, and I’ve been on the front lines of chaos as a Parole Officer holding dangerous criminals accountable.

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 Laws -

Bringing federal prosecution for gang and gun crimes on the adult and juvenile levels.

Bringing legislation to designate street gangs as terrorist organizations.

Rewriting Federal early release and pre-sentence confinement credit laws.

Putting violent criminals behind bars—and keeping them there.

Ending early releases of these violent criminals.

Fully supporting our law enforcement and giving them the tools they need and deserve.Strong Schools -

Restoring core subject curriculum and parent consent in schools.

Bringing back Trades Schools funding and support.

Supporting a locally ran school administration and parent choice.

Ensuring a fair playing field and safe locker rooms for women and girls.Strong Families -

Cementing recent tax breaks for seniors and the working class.

Bringing back Trades and Energy jobs.

Eliminating Capital-gains taxes for home sales.

Promoting living wage and family wage jobs.

Supporting second amendment rights.

Protecting women and children.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I’m passionate about restoring law and order, strengthening families and education, and rebuilding trust in government through accountability. Public safety is the foundation of every strong community — we must support our officers, respect the rule of law, and deliver justice, not excuses. I’ll fight for education that empowers parents, respects teachers, and puts students first. Government must serve the people with fiscal discipline, transparency, and integrity — because when we secure our streets and educate our children, we build a future worth passing on.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My first position working in public and community services was at an all teenage girls group home for children in the foster system with behavior issues. I was the only male staff, and first male staff to work there in many years. I was just about 30 years old and still a relatively new girl dad. I had a daughter and realized I would know nothing about how to raise a form, especially through her teen years. So I wanted to get some experience, and kinda jumped into the deep end with it. To say it was a challenge would be a laughable understatement, it was a challenging position for anyone, especially for me, especially with having minimal experience working with kids.

But the success I had there, after the first month or two... I started there right before Halloween and it was during the residents' winter break and those holidays where I was able to break some ice and break through some walls and begin to impart my influence and perspective.

I can still remember being asked, by one of the most challenging (behaviorally) residents, "what would cause a dad to not love his kid." I remember answering that question, I remember reading every page of that kid's history, 2 big binders worth... But that was something I did for every kid I worked with. By the time I left that position to go work in the local schools, we had hired two more male staff. The impact was striking.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

No. If having government experience were the key to solving the problems of the government, we wouldn't be in the mess we have been in. America doesn't need any more businesses men or doctors or lawyers in office... We need the ones that have been on the streets, working in the situations that most politicians can only read about, dealing with the consequences of these failed policies firsthand. We need representation that represents us, from a person who has lived and worked among us.

I have lived, loved, worked, learned, sweated, served and protected Washington's 8th District with my own life. To me it's not just some spot on the map I moved to, it's where my memories were made, where my friends and family live, where my heart is. It's not a place, it's home.... And the people of the 8th District aren't just citizens or constituents, y'all are my family, the ones I've known my whole life.

Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

A story I didn't just see and hear but was a part of was during the early stages of my campaign during the first summer at the King County Fair in Enumclaw. There was a large Asian family group that has been enjoying the day, and then there was the little girl, detached from her family and crying. The care that large family showed, in an instant, the way we were able to problem solve and organize to send for help. I was campaigning at the King County Republican party booth, but that didn't matter, it wasn't about politics, it wasn't about color, it was about community and caring.

In the end, the child's family was found, they were nearby, and we all shook hands and shared some smiles. To me that's the best, when we all come together as one, where reconnecting a child with their parents is the biggest worry of the day. That's the community I want to bring back.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Of course — but here’s the thing: compromise must be a two-way street. We can compromise on budgets, but I can’t compromise on my values. I will never trade truth for a deal or my moral compass for political points.

What legislation would you enact related to election administration in the United States?

I would like to see a shift back to in-person voting, to me that builds community. I still remember going to the polling place on election night with my dad when I was a little boy. It was at my elementary school, and I saw many other students there with their parents. It was peaceful and well attended. Those are good times and great memories.