Andy Billig

Andrew Swire "Andy" Billig (born May 1, 1968) is an American politician of the Democratic Party and co-owner of the Spokane Indians. He is a member of the Washington State Senate, representing the 3rd Legislative District. On November 6, 2012, Billig was elected to the Washington State Senate representing the 3rd Legislative District. He currently serves as the Senate Democratic Whip.

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.

Billig is an education, small business and working families advocate in Spokane. He has also been active in expanding statewide voter access and campaign finance reform in addition to efforts to protect the Spokane River. 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.

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. In that role, he helped write the state’s two-year transportation budget. Billig also served on the Education, Environment, and Technology & Economic Development.

In 1992, Billig became general manager of the Spokane Indians Baseball Team. He later became President and co-owner of the team and remains active in management and ownership.

Awards

Billig has been recognized repeatedly for his leadership with the Spokane Indians, being voted Northwest League Executive of the Year in both 1994 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.