Robert comes from a proud working-class family that values hard work and determination. His mother and stepfather are teachers, his father and stepmother run small businesses, and his grandparents worked as factory workers, electricians, and caregivers. His family history includes many generations of farmers, craftspeople, and coal miners—people who worked long hours to create a better life for their kids and grandkids. Robert understands that Olympians are some of the hardest-working people, often putting in a lot of effort to succeed. He believes they deserve fairness for all the hard work they do.

In his first year in office, Robert helped pass laws to protect renters and tackle the affordable housing crisis. As someone who has been a renter and worked two jobs—one in state government and the other on City Council—he understands how difficult high rents, low wages, and the rising cost of living can be. Robert's main goals will be to strengthen worker protections, increase affordable housing so that people who work in Olympia can afford to live there, and promote climate goals through better transportation and housing development.

Robert and his wife, Alicia, are happy to live in Olympia with their two cats. They are excited to welcome their first child, Robert Charles Vanderpool, in April. As he prepares to be a parent, Robert feels driven to solve the cost-of-living problems by working with local governments. He wants to tackle the high costs of childcare, housing, and transportation, which are big challenges for working families in Olympia.

Growing up in rural and suburban Ohio, as well as in urban Baltimore, has helped Robert connect with people from many different backgrounds and political views. He believes in meeting people where they are, listening carefully, and understanding their experiences. He is focused on the challenges faced by a fourth-generation farmer dealing with rising costs and working multiple jobs, a transgender student looking for acceptance, families moving farther away for better opportunities, and immigrants escaping tough situations caused by climate change and economic struggles. These individuals inspire Robert's work.

Robert has a Master’s degree in Public Administration and a Bachelor’s degree in Political History from The Evergreen State College. He started his journey in public service by volunteering at his local church and participating in Boy Scouts. Currently, Robert is a member of several committees, including the Land Use and Environment Committee, the Transportation Policy Board, and the Sea Level Rise Governance Committee. He also serves as an alternate on other boards focused on housing and climate issues. Committed to his community, Robert regularly attends local events and encourages public engagement. He values teamwork in making policies, believing it is important for creating effective and inclusive solutions.

Robert is a member of Olympia Indivisible, Olympia DSA, and the Congress for the New Urbanism.