Andy Smith (25B)

Rep. Andy Smith is a Democratic-Farmer-Labor member of the Minnesota House of Representatives, representing District 25B. A small business owner from Rochester, he moved there with his wife Anna to open Gray Duck Theater & Coffeehouse, an independent movie theater and coffee shop that paid employees at least $15 per hour and thrived during the COVID-19 pandemic with community support. In 2021, they launched Garden Party Books, a used bookstore next door, focusing on community-building over profits. After Gray Duck closed due to pandemic complications, Smith entered politics to advocate for small businesses and workers. Elected in 2022 and serving his second term, he holds positions including Co-Vice Chair of the Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee, and serves on Commerce Finance and Policy and Taxes committees. He is also co-chair of the Minnesota Health Plan Caucus, promoting single-payer healthcare.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: B.A. in theology from Moody Bible Institute; M.Div. in theology from Westminster Seminary California.
• Political Experience: Elected to Minnesota House District 25B in 2022 ; re-elected for second term as of 2024; current committees include Agriculture Finance and Policy , Commerce Finance and Policy, and Taxes.