About Andrew
Andrew is a lifelong Oregonian. He was born in Portland and grew up in Astoria before moving to Salem to pursue his Bachelor's in Philosophy and Disability Studies, and finally settling in Bend to pursue his Master's in Clinical Counseling to help bridge the gap in mental health providers. Andrew is the youngest of four, and he has Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy.
Andrew has been a lifelong advocate for disability rights. While at Willamette University, Andrew served as the President of the Disability Advocacy Club, was the inaugural President of the Willamette Disability Honor Society, and a Class Senator, among other campus roles. Andrew successfully advocated for structural reforms, including web accessibility, campus employment access, accommodation access, and the procurement of automatic door openers, among other projects. During his time at Willamette, Andrew served as a legislative intern for State Senator Sara Gelser Blouin (D-Corvallis) during the 2023 long session.
Andrew was awarded a Senior Key for outstanding service to the university, among other awards for his longstanding disability advocacy across campus.
Andrew currently serves on the City of Bend Accessibility Advisory Committee and was appointed to the Oregon Disabilities Commission, where he additionally sits on the Executive Committee. Andrew also works closely with the Disability Health and Employment Equity Coalition as its Legislative Advocacy Coordinator.
Andrew Caruana: The Accessible candidate for Oregon House District 54
Why Am I Running?
I am running for office because Bend deserves to be represented by a strong, independent voice whose top priority is the needs of constituents. I want to be accessible to you. Period. 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.
I lack political experience in elected office, and that's a good thing! What I offer is genuine enthusiasm about making Bend and Oregon a better place. We need an unconventional candidate to bring a radically different perspective to policy-making. I'm not running to represent lobbyists or the Democratic party; I am running to represent you.
As a person with a physical disability, I frequently experience diminished expectations and other forms of ableism in both educational and medical settings. At a young age, I had to learn to be my own advocate because I realized no one fights for me better than I can. I've learned over the years that anything worth fighting for is worth giving 110%, and I fully intend to bring that experience and attitude to all the work I do for you as your future state legislator.
No issue is too small, and no constituent is unimportant.
Policy Positions
Responding to Federal overreach
Medicaid and Healthcare
Supporting local businesses and industry
Public transit
Wildfire prevention and rebuilding
Behavioral Health services
Affordable Housing
Caruana at OSU-Cascades pursuing his Masters in Counseling
If you like my policies and want to see me as your Representative, please donate below to support my campaign.