Andy McKean

Andrew John McKean is a former American politician and attorney who served in the Iowa House of Representatives and the Iowa Senate over several decades. A member of the Democratic Party since 2019, McKean previously held a long tenure as a Republican, making him one of the longest-serving legislators in Iowa's history. He represented multiple districts throughout his political career, culminating in his service for District 58 from 2016 until 2020. McKean's legislative work is marked by a range of policy interests, including healthcare reform, tax policy, and gun rights.

Early life and career

Born on June 23, 1949, McKean was raised in New York state. He pursued higher education, earning a bachelor's degree in political science from Oneonta State College. He continued his academic journey by obtaining a master's degree in community planning from the University of Rhode Island. Seeking to explore his family roots, McKean moved to Iowa, specifically to Anamosa, where he completed his legal education by earning a Juris Doctor from the University of Iowa College of Law.

Before entering politics, McKean practiced law in Anamosa for 35 years, establishing himself as a prominent attorney in the community. His legal career included serving as an attorney for Morley, Martelle, and Mechanicsville. In addition to his legal practice, he also contributed to academia by teaching planning law courses at the University of Iowa's graduate program in Urban and Regional Planning from 1978 to 1992. McKean's family background in law and politics is notable; his grandfather, John McKean, served as a judge and was a member of the Iowa State Senate, representing Jones County.

Legislative service

McKean's political career began in the Iowa House of Representatives, where he served multiple terms across different districts. His initial tenure in the House spanned from 1979 to 1983, representing District 23, followed by District 44 from 1983 to 1993. After his time in the House, he transitioned to the Iowa Senate, where he represented District 28 from 1993 until 2003. During his legislative career, McKean held several leadership positions, including serving as the Senate President Pro Tem and chairing the Judiciary Committee. He was also the chair of the House Ethics Committee during the 88th General Assembly.

Following his service in the Senate, McKean took on the role of a Jones County Supervisor from 2003 to 2011. His commitment to public service continued as he was appointed to the Iowa Public Information Board by Governor Terry Branstad. After a hiatus from the Iowa House, McKean returned to the legislature in 2016, winning election to represent District 58, where he defeated his opponent, Jessica Kean. He was reelected in 2018, securing a significant majority of the votes against Joe Oclon.

In 2019, McKean made headlines when he switched his political affiliation from Republican to Democrat, citing the influence of then-President Donald Trump on the Republican Party as a primary reason for his decision. This change marked a significant shift in his political identity, as he had been the longest-serving Republican in the Iowa state legislature. Following his party switch, he announced his intention to run for reelection as a Democrat. However, in the 2020 elections, he was defeated by Republican Steve Bradley.

Policy focus and district

Throughout his legislative career, McKean has focused on various policy issues, particularly in the areas of healthcare, taxation, and gun rights. He has advocated for making healthcare more affordable and improving Iowa's mental health system to enhance access to care. During his 2016 campaign, he emphasized the importance of preventative healthcare measures. McKean has expressed support for legalizing medical marijuana, although he opposes its recreational use, viewing it as a potential gateway drug. He voted in favor of legalizing medical marijuana on two occasions but opposed establishing a healthcare budget for the years 2019 and 2020.

In terms of taxation, McKean has supported reforms aimed at eliminating loopholes, simplifying the tax system, and ensuring that businesses can thrive while adequately funding state services. He has pledged to increase Iowa's minimum wage but has also expressed concerns about the potential negative impacts on entry-level jobs and small businesses, particularly in competition with larger corporations.

On issues related to abortion, McKean has taken a nuanced stance. He voted for a bill that bans abortion after 20 weeks but has opposed more restrictive measures, such as six-week bans, which he believes infringe on personal privacy. In 2020, he was the only Democrat in the Iowa House to support a 24-hour waiting period for abortions.

McKean has also addressed gun rights, expressing support for the Second Amendment and Iowa's constitutional right to bear arms. He has shown a willingness to consider gun legislation, particularly in the wake of mass shootings, although he has questioned the effectiveness of certain proposed measures, such as raising the minimum age for purchasing firearms.

In his personal life, McKean resides in a historic home in Anamosa with his wife, Connie, who has served on the Anamosa School Board. They have four children and three grandchildren. McKean is active in his community, participating in local events and church functions, and has a passion for music, often playing piano at various gatherings. His interests also include gardening, reading, and hiking. After retiring from his legal practice in 2015, McKean has continued to engage in civic activities and public service.