Election 2026: County Council District 2 Candidate Andrew Davisson (Incumbent)

Continuing with our “Election: 2026” series, this addition to our candidate interviews features current District 2* County Councilman Andrew Davisson (R), who is seeking re-election. Leading up to the primaries, we will continue to release candidate interviews in order to keep you informed as you make your way to the ballot box.

Publisher's Note: The Washington County Times does not endorse political candidates. Our mission is to provide balanced and informative coverage of local politics so our readers can make their own informed decisions at the ballot box. We aim to give all candidates a fair opportunity to share their views and connect with the community. This Q&A is part of that commitment to open, unbiased political reporting.

*District 2 covers Jackson, Posey, Howard, and Madison Townships, as well as Salem District 2.

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Andrew Davisson

Can you tell us a little about yourself and your personal background?

I was born and raised right here in Washington County, and I've been proud to call this community home for 37 years. I've been married to my wife Kayla for 15 years, and we've been blessed with twins (a boy and a girl) who remind me every day why working to build a stronger future matters. I own and operate a local lawncare and landscaping business and also run a small cattle farm, so l understand firsthand what hard work, responsibility, and showing up every day really means.

I currently serve on the County Council and have also served on several different boards and commissions in our community. I originally decided to step up because I wanted to make a difference for the people who live and work here. I've always believed Washington County deserves leaders who put taxpayers and employees first, and I want to continue that positive movement forward. The values that guide me are simple: hard work, honesty, and integrity. Those aren't just words to me... they're how I was raised and how I live my life.

Most importantly, I want people to know I'm the man for the job. I'll be completely transparent, I'll listen, and I'll fight for what's best for our community.

Washington County is my home, my family's home, and I'm committed to serving it with energy, dedication, and pride.

What motivated you to run for Washington County Council, and what skills or experience do you bring to the role?

What motivated me to run was simple: I love Washington County and I wanted to make a real, positive difference for the people who live and work here. I was tired of seeing decisions made without enough focus on the taxpayers and the employees who keep this county moving. I stepped up because I believe local government should be about serving people, not politics, and I knew I had the work ethic and common-sense mindset to help move our county in the right direction.

The experience I bring comes from real life, not just meetings. As a small business owner in lawncare and landscaping and as someone who runs a cattle farm, I understand budgets, payroll, rising costs, and what it takes to make a dollar stretch. Serving on the County Council has given me firsthand knowledge of how county government works, how to balance priorities, and how to make responsible decisions with taxpayer money.

I bring hard work, honesty, and integrity to everything I do. I'm not afraid to ask tough questions, listen to all sides, and stand up for what's right for Washington County. My goal is to keep pushing forward with strong, transparent leadership that puts our taxpayers and employees first and keeps this county headed in a positive direction.

How would you describe the primary responsibilities of the County Council, and why do you believe that role is important to county residents?

The primary responsibility of the County Council is to be good stewards of the taxpayers' money. The council controls the county budget, sets salaries, and makes the financial decisions that keep our roads maintained, our emergency services operating, and our county offices serving the public. Every dollar that comes in and goes out affects real families, real businesses, and real employees, so this role carries a lot of responsibility.

That role is important because county government touches everyday life more than most people realize. From public safety to infrastructure to supporting the workers who serve our community, the council helps shape the quality of life in Washington County. If those decisions aren't made with common sense and accountability, taxpayers are the ones who pay the price.

I believe the council must always put residents first-spending wisely, planning for the future, and being completely transparent about how money is used. Strong leadership on the council means protecting taxpayers, supporting county employees, and making sure Washington County continues to be a place where families can live, work, and succeed.

What are some top issues facing Washington County right now, and how should the County Council address them?

Some of the biggest issues facing Washington County right now are employee pay and retention, transparency to taxpayers, and making sure we stop wasteful spending. Across public safety and every county department, we're asking good people to do important jobs, but too often their pay isn't up to the standard it needs to be. If we want to keep experienced deputies, dispatchers, road workers, and office staff, we have to value them and pay them competitively. Retention is about respect as much as it is about dollars.

At the same time, I believe too much county money is being spent in the wrong places without enough accountability. Taxpayers deserve to know exactly where their money is going and why. The County Council should be digging into the budget line by line, cutting waste, and making sure every dollar is used to serve the people-not to grow government for the sake of it.

The council needs to focus on priorities that matter: supporting public safety, taking care of county employees, and being completely transparent with residents. That means open communication, honest budgeting, and the courage to say no to unnecessary spending. If we do those things, we can build a county government that taxpayers trust and employees are proud to work for.

How do you approach budgeting and spending decisions, especially when resources are limited?

I approach budgeting the same way I run my business and my farm – live within your means, spend money where it truly matters, and don't waste a dollar. When resources are limited, every decision has to be based on needs, not wants. The County Council has a responsibility to put taxpayers first and make sure their hard-earned money is being used wisely and effectively.

I believe in starting with the basics: public safety, county employees, and essential services. Those have to be the top priorities before anything else is considered. I also believe in going through the budget line by line, asking tough questions, and being willing to cut or redirect spending that isn't producing real value for residents.

Transparency is a big part of my approach. Taxpayers deserve to see where their money is going and understand why decisions are made. I'll always push for honest, common-sense budgeting that supports our employees, strengthens public safety, and protects Washington County families from unnecessary or wasteful spending.

How do you plan to stay open and informed about community needs and remain transparent and accessible to constituents if reelected?

Staying open and informed means keeping real communication with the people I serve. I believe the most important part of this job is listening to residents, hearing their concerns directly, and making sure their voices are part of every decision the County Council makes. Leadership shouldn't happen behind closed doors; it should be grounded in everyday conversations with the taxpayers who make this county run.

I'll remain accessible by answering calls, returning messages, and being willing to sit down with anyone who has a concern or idea. Transparency, to me, means being honest about the challenges we face, explaining decisions in plain language, and making sure people can clearly see how their tax dollars are being spent and why.

My commitment is simple: I work for the people of Washington County. I'll keep an open door, an open mind, and a strong voice for residents and county employees, because good government only happens when leaders stay connected, accountable, and willing to listen.

What does success look like to you at the end of a four-year term on the Washington County Council?

Success at the end of a four-year term means Washington County is stronger, more efficient, and more accountable than when I started. It means our county employees are fairly compensated, well-supported, and proud to serve, and it means taxpayers can see their money being spent wisely... without waste or unnecessary bureaucracy.

I want residents to feel confident that their voices were heard, their concerns addressed, and their tax dollars used responsibly. Roads are maintained, public safety is strong, and essential services are running smoothly. Transparency and honesty are no longer goals – they're the standard people expect from their government.

Ultimately, success is measured by the trust and confidence the community has in its leaders, and by knowing that every decision I made helped move Washington County forward in a positive, practical, and meaningful way.

What do you believe sets you apart from your opponents in this election?

What sets me apart from my opponents is real-world experience backed by a record of putting taxpayers and employees first. I'm not just someone who talks about issues. l've lived them. I've built and run a small business right here in our county, and I know what it means to manage money, face rising costs, balance priorities, and create opportunities. I also serve on the County Council right now, so I bring real experience in how county government works, not just ideas on a page.

But more importantly, I'm laser-focused on transparency, accountability, and responsible spending. I believe government should operate in the open, with taxpayers seeing clearly how their dollars are being used and why. I've stood up for competitive pay and retention for county employees because we need to keep good people on the job, not lose them to better-paying areas. That's not a slogan, it's something I've been fighting for every day on the council.

I'm not here to expand government for its own sake or make flashy promises. I'm here to deliver results, cut waste, and make sure every decision benefits the people who live and work in Washington County.

That combination of practical experience, proven leadership, and unwavering commitment to taxpayers and employees is what truly sets me apart.

Are there any final thoughts you'd like to leave with our readers?

My goal is simple: to serve the people, support our employees, protect taxpayers, and keep Washington County moving in a positive direction. I'm committed to hard work, honesty, and transparency, and I'll always put the community first.

Together, we can make sure every dollar is spent wisely and that Washington County remains a great place to live, work, and raise a family.