MEET CANEK

Canek Aguirre was first elected to the Alexandria City Council in November 2018 and re-elected to a second term in 2021. He is the first Latino to ever serve on the Alexandria City Council. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Canek is a community advocate and progressive leader focused on improving the lives of all Alexandrians. As the son of Mexican immigrants, Canek knows first-hand the importance of hard work, education, and ensuring everyone has a fair shot at the American Dream.

During his time in public office, Canek has focused on increasing housing opportunities, investing in our public schools and transportation infrastructure, eliminating health inequities, and making government more accessible and accountable. Canek successfully led the City’s 2020 Census Complete Count Committee to achieve a 100% count of all Alexandria households - the only locality in the region to do so - and secured millions of dollars in federal funding for the next decade.

Canek is a past Chair of the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC) and is an alternate on both the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) Board of Directors and the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) Board of Directors. He also serves on the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board (TPB), the Leadership Council for the Alexandria Campaign on Adolescent Pregnancy (ACAP), and is a member of the Alexandria Library Board and the Alexandria Commission on Aging. In 2016, Canek was appointed to the Virginia Board of Social Work, re-appointed for a second term in 2020, and unanimously elected Chair in 2022 and 2023.

A member of numerous boards and commissions in the region prior to his election, Canek has made it a priority to give back to his adopted community. He is a past Chair of the City of Alexandria’s Economic Opportunities Commission, past President of the Tenants and Workers United (TWU) Board of Directors, and past Vice Chair of the Health Systems Agency of Northern Virginia (HSANV) Board of Directors.

Canek has been recognized as one of the 100 most influential people for the Hispanic community in the Washington, D.C., metro area by El Tiempo Latino and as one of Alexandria’s 40 under 40 honorees.

Canek lives in the West End and is an active member of the Alexandria Democratic Committee. He is a proud graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

A COMMITMENT TO SERVICE

For more than a decade, Canek has dedicated his time to serving our City, our region, and the Commonwealth.

• Immediate Past Chair, Virginia Board of Social Work (appointed by Governors McAuliffe and Northam)

• Past Chair, Northern Virginia Transportation Commission

• Past Chair, National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board Access for All Committee

• Past Chair, Alexandria Economic Opportunities Commission

• Past Vice Chair, Health Systems Agency of Northern Virginia

• Past President, Tenants and Workers United

canek's priorities

Canek brings people together to amplify the voices that aren't always heard by local decision makers. As your champion on City Council, Canek will continue to work to increase housing opportunities, invest in our public schools, and to improve health outcomes.

Addressing the Housing Crisis

Affordable, quality housing ensures the future of our city as a welcoming place for all families. Canek is committed to preserving affordable housing and increasing housing opportunities for all Alexandrians.

Building A Healthier Community

Improving health outcomes for all Alexandrians is critical to our collective well-being. Canek is fighting to eliminate health inequities that exist within our community.

Transportation That Works For All

Transportation is essential to a livable, connected Alexandria. Canek believes in investing in a safe, efficient, multi-modal transportation system that is accessible for all users.

An Inclusive And Engaged Alexandria

Alexandria is stronger when every resident is able to fully and meaningfully participate in all aspects of our city. Canek is committed to ensuring all Alexandrians, including the most vulnerable and underrepresented have their voices heard.

Investing In Our Public Schools

Public schools are critical to our community’s future. Canek believes every child deserves access to an excellent public school education. He is working to ensure Alexandria continues to invest in our school infrastructure and address teacher and support staff retention.