Alexander spent 20 years as a financial manager for the state of Washington before entering the private sector, first as Chief Financial Officer for Behavioral Health Resources and then as a finance manager for Philip Services. From 1993 to 1996 Alexander served as a member of the Port of Olympia commission, the elected body responsible for managing port facilities in Thurston County.
Gary Alexander was first elected to the Washington House of Representatives from the 20th district in 1996 and has been reelected continuously since. By his final term he was serving, as a result of redistricting, as representative from the 2nd district. In 2013 Alexander announced his resignation, effective as of the end of that year. His committee assignments in his last legislative term included the Government Operations and Elections committee, and the Appropriations committee.
Thurston County Auditor
Alexander was hired as Deputy Auditor of Thurston County in 2001. In 2013, while still serving in the legislature, Alexander was appointed the county's interim Auditor to replace incumbent Kim Wyman, who had been elected Washington's Secretary of State. The following November Alexander stood for election to a full term as Auditor, narrowly losing to Democratic challenger Mary Hall.
Political views
Alexander was first elected to the legislature as a supporter of term limits, though he later renounced a pledge to serve no more than four terms. While in the legislature, Alexander called for the licensing and taxation of slot machines in non-tribal casinos as a way to plug a shortfall in the state budget. He opposed the legalization of marijuana and same-sex marriage in Washington, measures that were approved by referendum in 2012. Over the course of Alexander's various political campaigns he was endorsed by labor unions - including the Washington State Council of Fire Fighters and the Washington State Council of County and City Employees - as well more traditional backers of conservative candidates, such as the National Rifle Association and the Association of Washington Business. He has been described as a supporter of limited government and serves on the board of directors of Mainstream Republicans of Washington.
