Allen Demling is a true Austin original and an iconoclastic new face in the colorful history of Texas politics. This bearded face represents a much needed fresh perspective for city hall. Allen is a forward-thinking, unorthodox pragmatic, unfettered by outmoded political tradition and blissfully liberated from the dollar signs of corporate interests. Allen reflects the true voice of Austin's changing demographics. He understands the character of the city of Austin and will continue to fight, as he always has, for the people of Austin.

Allen graduated the University of Illinois with highest honors, receiving degrees in General Engineering and Engineering Administration. After working for three years as a consultant in Chicago, he left the snowy, salty winters and went to pursue a Master's degree from the University of Texas. He immediately fell in love with this city, especially its laid-back attitude, its counter-cultural bent, and its progressive mindset. Allen has been living and working in Austin as a mechanical engineer for four years, and each day becomes more enthusiastic about this city's potential. 

Allen’s affair with politics began early. Allen had just entered adolescence when his father, John, won over 70% of the vote to become Mayor of Glen Ellyn, Illinois. Prior to that, he served eight years on the city council. Allen began his political career while an undergrad at the University of Illinois. It was during his senior year that Allen first ran for—and won—the position of Vice President of Gamma Epsilon, an engineering honor society. Later, at the University of Texas, Allen built upon this experience with a position as the Mechanical Engineering representative to the Graduate Engineering Council. It was through these positions that Allen discovered the responsibility and influence of the elected administration.

Upon graduation in 2005, Allen’s fostered his desire to serve his fellow man and his state by joining the Kinky Friedman campaign. It was here that Allen saw the power and enthusiasm of the grassroots political movement, and was inspired by the dream of a political landscape where ideas matter more than money. Allen developed his belief in the strength of an organized, populist political revolution where the needs of the city's residents can truly be served by a government that understands its people.

Allen has then applied his political fury to what he loves most: Austin, Texas. But Allen also believes that the city can improve and become a progressive model for the rest of the nation. Austin's policies on responsible growth, efficient and environmentally neutral transportation, intelligent park and wildlife management can and should lead the developed world. Austin has incredible intellectual and cultural diversity unmatched in a city this size, and its policies have the potential to be truly visionary.

When not campaigning, Allen enjoys an unhealthy obsession collecting and restoring classic cars and motorcycles. His collection now includes a 1965 Ford Mustang, a 1967 Ford Galaxie 500, a 1957 BMW Isetta, and a Honda Shadow motorcycle, which he uses as his primary mode of transportation. He is an avid cyclist and an annual participant in rides, including the MS 150 Charity Ride and Harvest Moon Ride. He is active in various green building projects and working to make his East Austin home environmentally neutral. He is a musician who loves local music and can often be found catching his favorite bands on Red River.  Finally, he is a regionally and nationally competitive beard grower determined to take home the gold in this year's Beard and Moustache Festival,  as well as bring the World Beard and Moustache Competition to its right home- Austin, TX. Additionally, Allen is a member of Austin Regional Group of the Sierra Club, the Travis Audubon Society, the Human Rights Campaign, and the Austin Cycling Association.

For lasting peace. Security for all.