About Andrew

Born and raised in Oregon, I grew up in Astoria, and the youngest of four. Due to severe health complications, I was diagnosed with Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy and grim prospects at two years old. I was determined to prove people wrong, though, and I fought for years through countless surgeries, doctor's visits, and physical therapy -- taking my first steps at 5 and fully learning to walk at 12.

I graduated from Astoria High School and earned a B.A. in Philosophy and Disability Studies from Willamette University with honors. While at Willamette, I had the privilege to serve as the President of the Disability Advocacy Club and was the inaugural President of the Willamette Disability Honor Society, as well as a Class Senator. In my campus positions, I successfully advocated for structural and other accessibility reforms, including web accessibility and the procurement of automatic door openers, among other projects. I was awarded a Senior Key for outstanding service to the university. While at Willamette University, I had the privilege of serving as a legislative intern for State Senator Sara Gelser Blouin (D-Corvallis) during the 2023 long session.

I am currently pursuing a M.S. in Clinical Counseling from Oregon State University -- Cascades. Don't worry; I'll graduate before I take office. In my spare time, I serve on the City of Bend Accessibility Advisory Committee and was appointed to the Oregon Disabilities Commission, where I also sit on the Executive Committee. I am also proud to serve as the Legislative Advocacy Coordinator for the Disability Health and Employment Equity Coalition.

Andrew Caruana: The Accessible candidate for Oregon House District 54

Why I am Running

I am twenty-three years old, physically disabled, and have no public office experience: probably not the image of a politician you get in your head; so why am I running?

Ultimately, I decided to run because Bend deserves to be represented by a strong, independent voice whose top priority is constituent needs. I want to be accessible to you. Period. Beyond that, Bend deserves a Representative who will fiercely advocate for the unique challenges District 54 faces: from shoring up funds to develop truly affordable housing, to supporting our recreational industries in the midst of a brutal snow drought, to making sure that we prioritize fire resiliency and keep our community and loved ones safe from climate catastrophes, to uplifting our restaurants, breweries, and small businesses that give Bend it's charm. Even though I used a lot of buzzwords, I promise not to make it a habit.

I lack elected office political experience, and that's a good thing! What I offer is genuine enthusiasm about making Bend and Oregon a better place. I'm an unconventional candidate, yes, but I also bring a radically different perspective to policymaking that needs more representation in the legislature. I'm not running to represent lobbyists or the Democratic party; I am running to represent you.

Main Policy Points

• Responding to Federal overreach

• Medicaid and Healthcare

• Supporting local businesses and industry

• Public transit

• Wildfire prevention and rebuilding

• Behavioral Health services

• Affordable Housing

If you like my policies and want to see me as your Representative, please donate below to support my campaign.