Gabriel Elijio Velásquez is one of eight candidates competing for three seats on the Tigard City Council in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election.

Asked why he is running, Velásquez said in our questionnaire: "As a lifelong resident of Tigard, I am seeking elective office to ensure our city remains a thriving, affordable, and safe community for working families. From Little Tigers to Tigard High, growing up here and experiencing firsthand how skyrocketing housing costs have squeezed its residents, I am deeply invested in shaping our future."

Candidate information

Residence: Velásquez described himself as a lifelong Tigard resident in his submitted Surround Sound Media questionnaire.

Education: Velásquez said in his questionnaire that he graduated from Tigard High School, attended Portland Community College and earned a Bachelor of Science in political science with a business administration minor at Portland State University.

Party: Asked about party affiliation, Velásquez said in our questionnaire: "I am firmly committed to serving every resident of Tigard regardless of their political beliefs. That being said, I am proud to be a registered Democrat."

Family: Velásquez said in our questionnaire: "I am the proud son of two dedicated public school teachers who instilled in me the values of service, compassion, and showing up for our community … And last month, I married my wonderful wife."

Occupation: Velásquez said in our questionnaire: "I currently work in the healthcare field, where I see firsthand the daily needs of our community members and bring a grounded, compassionate perspective to public service and community well-being."

Experience and public service

Velásquez said he has served as chair of Tigard's Town Center Advisory Commission since 2024, after joining as a member in 2023, according to his campaign website. He also said he serves on the Tax Increment Financing Grant Review Board and the Tigard Safe Streets Task Force.

The city’s August 31 certification places Velásquez on the November 3 ballot for a four-year council term.

Asked about accomplishments, Velásquez said in our questionnaire: "As Chair of Tigard's Town Center Advisory Commission since 2024, alongside my hands-on service on the Tax Increment Financing Grant Review Board and Safe Streets Task Force, proves I can deliver real results for our city … My extensive background in state and local politics, working as a legislative staffer, lobbyist, and campaign manager, has given me a deep, practical understanding of how government truly functions."

He said he interned in the Oregon State Legislature with Sen. Lee Beyer and then-Senate Majority Leader Rob Wagner, according to his campaign website.

On the issues

Housing: On his campaign website, Velásquez said that he supports higher-density residential development in infrastructure-ready areas, restricting corporate buyers for the first two years a home is listed to give local families priority, and offering developer incentives for rent-to-own housing.

Public safety: On his campaign website, he said he supports expanding navigation centers and transitional micro-housing with on-site services, and creating a city-wide network of protected bike lanes and continuous sidewalks.

Economy: On his campaign website, he said he wants to expand Tigard's TIF Grant Review Board for established businesses and streamline zoning to convert underused parking lots into food cart and micro-retail hubs.

The other candidates in the race are Jeff Darland, John Goodhouse, Kate Ristau, Shawne Martinez, Sue Garino, Tom Anderson and Yousef K. Allouzi.

Responses are based on public data and answers to a Surround Sound Media questionnaire if they were provided.