Andy Billig

Andrew Swire Billig (born May 1, 1968)^[1] is an American politician of the Democratic Party and co-owner of the Spokane Indians minor league baseball team.^[2][3] On November 6, 2012, Billig was elected to the Washington State Senate, representing the 3rd Legislative District until his retirement in 2025.^[4] He served as the Senate Majority Leader from 2019 to 2025.^[5]

Andy Billig
Majority Leader of the Washington Senate
In office January 12, 2019 – January 13, 2025
Preceded by	Sharon Nelson
Succeeded by	Jamie Pedersen
Member of the Washington Senate from the 3rd district
In office January 14, 2013 – January 13, 2025
Preceded by	Lisa Brown
Succeeded by	Marcus Riccelli
Member of the Washington House of Representatives from the 3rd district
In office January 10, 2011 – January 14, 2013
Preceded by	Alex Wood
Succeeded by	Marcus Riccelli
Personal details
Born	Andrew Swire Billig (1968-05-01) May 1, 1968 (age 57) New York, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Education	Georgetown University (BA)
Website	State Senate website

Personal life

Billig grew up in Chevy Chase, Maryland. He is of Jewish descent. Billig graduated cum laude from Georgetown University in 1990 with a degree in government. He has two children, Isabella "Bella" and Samuel, and is an active runner and triathlete, having completed the Coeur d’Alene Ironman Triathlon in 2004.^[6]

Political positions

In 2011, Billig received the Inter-Continental Smackdown Champion Award from Fuse Washington for his work against phosphorus pollution in Washington's lakes and rivers.^[7] He has expressed support for gun control, including a bill that would ban possession of high-capacity magazines.^[8]

Washington House of Representatives

After he was elected to the House of Representatives in 2010, Billig immediately assumed a transportation leadership position in the House, serving as vice-chair of the House Transportation Committee.^[9] In that role, he helped write the state's two-year transportation budget.^[10] Billig also served on the Education, Environment, and Technology & Economic Development committees.

Washington Senate

In 2012, Billig was elected to the Senate, where he was given a leadership position as the Minority Whip. In 2015, he was chosen to represent the caucus as the Deputy Leader and served as the Senate Majority Leader from 2018 to 2024.^[11] During the 2018 legislative session, he served on the Early Learning & K-2 Education, Ways & Means, and Rules committees. One of his primary achievements of the 2018 session was the DISCLOSE Act,^[12] which increases transparency of campaign contributions and closes campaign finance disclosure loopholes. In 2024, Billig announced he would not seek reelection for a fourth term.^[11]

Spokane Indians Baseball Team

In 1992, Billig became general manager of the Spokane Indians Baseball Team.^{[citation needed]} He later became president and co-owner of the team and remains active in management and ownership.^[6][13]

Awards

Billig has been recognized repeatedly for his leadership with the Spokane Indians, being voted Northwest League Executive of the Year in both 1994^{[citation needed]} and 2004. He was also nominated for the Larry MacPhail Award for promotional excellence several times and won the Joe Martin Award for Service to Baseball and the Community in 2007.^[13]