Sen. Andy Hill — who represents the 45th Legislative District, which includes Redmond — kicked off his re-­election campaign last week in front of a crowd promising to continue his work to fully fund education, pass sustainable budgets and create new ways to deliver services to those who need them most.

More than 600 people came together in the 500­-person capacity ballroom at the Westin Bellevue to support Hill and hear how he has worked to change Olympia’s priorities and to deliver on the promises he made when he first ran for the state senate four years ago.

“I am humbled to be here among so many people from across my district and throughout this region,” Hill said. “I am proud of the work I was able to accomplish during my first term and I have an ambitious agenda for the next term as well. I look forward to this campaign and am eager to talk more about the work I have done on behalf of the people I am so fortunate to represent.”

Hill became chair of the Senate Ways and Means committee in 2013 and crafted a budget that increased education spending by $1 billion, froze tuition at state colleges and universities for the first time in 30 years and turned a $1 billion deficit into a balanced budget with $1 billion in reserves and no general tax increases. Both Hill’s biennial and supplemental budgets passed with bipartisan majorities.

“Olympia hasn’t changed me,” Hill told the crowd. “I believe I’m helping change Olympia.”

Hill’s kickoff event featured moving testimonials from three women who described the impact he has had on their lives and the communities they represent. The crowd included elected officials, youth sports leaders, community clubs and families across Hill’s district along with regional leaders who came together to support Hill as well.

Hill has lived in Washington for more than 20 years. A graduate of Colgate University and Harvard Business School, he worked for Microsoft where he was turned around troubled projects. He also led the company’s design of K-12 educational software. He has served as president, a volunteer math tutor for the area’s kids, a youth soccer and lacrosse coach and as president of Lake Washington Soccer Association. Hill also serves on the Evergreen Hospital Foundation board and is a trustee on the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition, as well as on Hopelink’s Campaign for a Lasting Change Advisory board. Most recently, Hill was honored by Washington Autism Alliance & Advocacy for his legislative leadership in prime-­sponsoring two pieces of enacted legislation that benefit individuals with autism and their families.

Hill lives in Redmond with his wife Molly and their three children. For more information visitHillYes.com.