Andy moved to Rochester with his wife Anna to start his dream business: an independent movie theater and coffee shop. That vision led to Gray Duck Theater & Coffeehouse, a business that not only survived the pandemic but thrived, thanks to community support. Gray Duck was able to add several employees while operating responsibly during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and every employee at Gray Duck makes at least $15/hr. In 2021, Andy and Anna started Garden Party Books, a used bookstore that’s located right next door to Gray Duck. Both businesses are motivated not by maximizing profits, but by building real community through coffee, books, and movies.

Andy first considered running for office as he interacted with the Rochester community through Gray Duck. In conversations on all kinds of topics, people shared the many issues that need to be addressed to create an equitable community in Rochester where everyone can flourish.

Unfortunately, Gray Duck Theater & Coffeehouse could not recover from complications arising from COVID closures. Andy was obviously devastated by this turn of events, but it motivated him even more to mold public policy to help small business owners and workers.

Andy was first elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2022. In his first term he served on four committees: Heath, Taxes, Economic Development, and Sustainable Infrastructure. He also serves as a co-chair of the Minnesota Health Plan Caucus, a bicameral caucus seeking single-payer healthcare in Minnesota.

As his businesses suggest, Andy is an avid reader and cinephile. He will gladly talk with you for hours about books or movies, preferably over coffee. Some of his favorite books are The Color Purple, The Lord of the Rings, The House in the Cerulean Sea, and A People’s History of the United States. Some of his favorite movies are Do The Right Thing, Sing Street, The Lord of the Rings, La La Land, Parasite, and Moonlight. 

Andy and Anna have been married for ten years and live with two adorable cats named Cali and Min. They have 14 nieces and nephews spread all over the country who inspire them to fight for the next generation.