Andrew Lewis

Andrew Lewis is a former American politician and businessman who served as a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, representing the 105th District from 2019 to 2022. A member of the Republican Party, Lewis's legislative career included a focus on education, finance, and state governance. He has also had a notable military career and has been involved in various business ventures.

Early life and career

Andrew Lewis was born on February 6, 1987, in Leonardtown, Maryland. He completed his secondary education through the Home Education Program of the Greenwood School District, graduating in 2005. Following high school, Lewis enlisted in the United States Army, where he served with distinction. His military service included deployment during the Iraq troop surge from 2007 to 2008, where he served as a scout for fifteen months. After his deployment, he transitioned to a role as a counterintelligence agent stationed in South Korea, where he oversaw a team for two years. Lewis's military career culminated in his assignment to the White House Communications Agency. He was honorably discharged in 2015 at the rank of staff sergeant.

In addition to his military service, Lewis pursued higher education. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Thomas Edison State University in 2012. He furthered his studies with a Master of Arts in legislative affairs from George Washington University in 2013 and obtained a Master of Business Administration from Temple University in 2015. Additionally, he completed a graduate certificate in public policy from Liberty University.

After his military service, Lewis entered the business sector, becoming the chief operating officer of Tradesman Building Group, a company founded by his brother. He held this position until December 2018, after which he co-founded BiiLT Contracting Group. In 2022, he took on the role of general manager at Berks Homes, and in 2023, he joined the board of the Lincoln Institute of Public Opinion Research Inc.

Legislative service

Lewis's political career began in earnest when he ran for the Republican nomination for the 15th Pennsylvania Senate District in 2016, although he was not successful in that bid. He later successfully ran for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, winning election to represent the 105th District in 2018. He succeeded Ronald Marsico, who retired from the position. Lewis was re-elected in 2020, serving through the end of his term in 2022.

During his time in the Pennsylvania House, Lewis held several committee assignments. In the 2019-2020 legislative session, he served as Secretary of the Urban Affairs Committee and was also a member of the Finance, State Government, and Liquor Control Committees. In the subsequent 2021-2022 session, he was assigned to the Education, Health, Judiciary, and State Government Committees.

Lewis's tenure was marked by significant events, including a positive COVID-19 diagnosis in May 2020. His diagnosis was not publicly disclosed until after a two-week quarantine, which led to criticism from Democratic colleagues who alleged that the Republican leadership had intentionally withheld this information. This incident prompted the establishment of new COVID protocols within the state legislature.

In 2020, Lewis was one of 26 Pennsylvania House Republicans who called for the reversal of Joe Biden's certification as the winner of Pennsylvania's electoral votes in the 2020 presidential election, citing allegations of election irregularities. However, after the Electoral College was certified, he acknowledged the results in a subsequent statement.

In August 2021, Lewis introduced a significant piece of legislation known as the Excellent Education for All Act. This proposed universal school choice bill aimed to create a state-funded school voucher program, amend the state's charter school laws, increase funding for education tax credit scholarships, and exempt learning pods from state regulation.

Following redistricting, Lewis found himself in the newly drawn 104th District, which was considered more Democratic than his previous district. As a result, he opted not to seek re-election in 2022. In recognition of his service, Lewis received proclamations from the Lower Paxton Township Supervisors and Dauphin County Commissioners in February 2023, and February 7 was designated as "Representative Andrew Lewis Day" in Dauphin County.

Policy focus and district

During his time in office, Lewis focused on several key policy areas, particularly education, finance, and state governance. His introduction of the Excellent Education for All Act reflected a commitment to expanding educational opportunities through school choice, which was a significant topic of discussion in Pennsylvania and across the nation. This initiative aimed to provide parents with more options for their children's education, including the use of vouchers and increased funding for alternative educational programs.

Lewis's committee assignments during his legislative career allowed him to engage with a variety of issues pertinent to his constituents. His role as Secretary of the Urban Affairs Committee indicated his involvement in addressing urban development and housing issues, while his participation in the Finance and State Government Committees underscored his interest in fiscal policy and governance.

The 105th District, which Lewis represented, encompassed areas that were diverse in terms of demographics and economic activities. His legislative efforts were likely influenced by the needs and concerns of his constituents, which included a mix of urban and suburban communities. The redistricting process that placed him in the 104th District, a more Democratic-leaning area, ultimately influenced his decision not to pursue re-election.

In summary, Andrew Lewis's career as a state legislator was characterized by his military background, educational pursuits, and business experience, which collectively informed his approach to governance and policy-making. His legislative service included a focus on education reform and fiscal responsibility, and he navigated the complexities of political life during a challenging period marked by the COVID-19 pandemic and contentious political debates.