House Member

Richard C. Andrade was born in Winslow, AZ and spent his childhood moving between Arizona, California and New Mexico.

Richard graduated from Gallup High School in Gallup, New Mexico in 1982 and served in the U.S. Air Force from 1982 to 1990. He was stationed at Luke AFB in Glendale, AZ and was an Aircraft Pneudraulics System Specialist on F-15 aircraft. While serving, he also attended Non-commissioned Officer (NCO) Leadership Schools. Richard was also the Assistant NCO in charge of Luke AFB, Honor Guard.

Between 1990 and 1994, Richard would work in restaurant management and as a Lab Technician for Allied Signal Aerospace.

In 1994, Richard hired out with the former Santa Fe Railroad, now BNSF Railway. In 1995 he was promoted to certified locomotive engineer and continues today to work as an engineer. Richard has been employed with the railroad for 27 years.

While employed at BNSF, Richard became active with the United Transportation Union, now known as Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART). Richard has held several offices in his Lodge 1081, including Vice President, Vice Local Chairman of the Engineman Committee and the Alternate Legislative Representative and is now the current Legislative Representative. These leadership roles helped him learn the importance in becoming active with Legislative issues at the federal and state level. Richard also attended AFL-CIO conventions and participated in Day of Action at the State Capitol. Finally, Richard was active with the On Site Safety Committee, which was established to address safety concerns on the railroad.

Due to a tragic event in Richard and Sally’s life, in 2011, they lobbied the Arizona State Legislature, 50th Legislature, 1st Regular Session to pass an aggressive dog law also known as Fabian’s Law. Richard’s experience as a Union member and leader were instrumental when it came to lobbying the Arizona State Legislature to pass Fabian’s Law.

Richard was elected as a State Representative for Legislative District 29 in 2014. Serving in the military has made him a strong voice for Veterans. Richard sits on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Military Affairs and Public Safety Committee.

Richard saw that he could make a difference and believes strongly in protecting working families, worker rights and disappearing middle class families. Richard believes in a strong education system which is much needed in our state and protecting all people rights.

Richard has been married to Sally M. Andrade, a Breast Cancer Survivor, for 34 years. Together they have resided in the West Valley since marriage and have lived in Glendale for 30 years.