Like many people during pandemic lockdowns, I first learned of Andrea Suarez on social media, when I began seeing posts from friends about her work cleaning up encampments through We Heart Seattle. It was astonishing to see what she accomplished by organizing outside of the lethargic bureaucracy of Seattle government. As I followed the daily posts I was very impressed by Andrea’s ability to connect one on one with people in crisis and to follow through to help them make changes in their lives. Each individual story of getting someone into rehab, or into a home or a job, or reconnecting with their family was evidence of measurable, tangible results.
I began to go to events and to get to know Andrea as a person. Her mix of compassion, action and accountability is rare. In Seattle’s fractured political landscape, I also saw that she was bringing together supporters of every class and political affiliation around common cause in a way I have not seen before – and that is frankly thrilling. The work of We Heart Seattle is not just about “cleaning up the streets,” it is a movement based in civic healing and empowerment.
As a citizen activist I have rarely encountered candidates who are genuinely curious and willing to look beyond partisan rhetoric to what really works. When Andrea announced her run for office I was excited, but I also wanted to know more about her transition from independent organizer to working inside the political system. We talked for many hours about the interconnected issues of affordable housing, addiction, crime, and the environment. I came away deeply impressed, and completely won over by her curiosity, her practicality, her intelligence, her boots on the ground experience, and her commitment to finding real solutions for the problems facing our communities today. I have ever felt so excited to support a candidate!