Canek Aguirre

Canek Aguirre is the first Latino ever elected to the Alexandria City Council. The son of Mexican immigrants from Puebla, Mexico, he was born and raised in Los Angeles before moving to Alexandria in 2011. He spent three years in Alexandria City Public Schools creating welcoming spaces for students and families, co-founding a parent group for Spanish-speaking families at George Washington Middle School. In his professional capacity, he works with Medicaid populations throughout Northern Virginia to increase access to care and improve health outcomes. First elected in November 2018, he was re-elected to a third term in 2024.

Son of Mexican immigrants from Puebla, Mexico. Born and raised in Los Angeles, where he grew up serving as an interpreter between Spanish-speaking parents and school faculty. His parents instilled in him the importance of hard work, education, and giving back to the community. After college, faced tough financial times and at one point juggled four jobs working up to 90 hours a week. Moved to Alexandria in 2011 when his girlfriend (now wife) got a job on Capitol Hill. Married and lives in Alexandria's West End.