Andrew Carlson holds a Bachelor of Science in Community and Regional Planning from Iowa State University and an MBA from the University of St. Thomas. He completed a policy fellowship at the University of Minnesota Humphrey School of Public Affairs. Carlson's professional career includes roles as a project manager for the Minneapolis Public Works Department and a member of the Bloomington Housing and Redevelopment Authority. He served on the Bloomington City Council from 2014 to 2016, followed by a term in the Minnesota House of Representatives, where he was elected in 2016 but lost his primary re-election bid in 2022. Post his political career, Carlson transitioned to a role as a lobbyist. He resides in Bloomington, Minnesota with his family.

Andrew Carlson's political journey reveals a unique blend of pragmatic local governance and ideological flexibility. His educational background in planning and business, combined with his tenure on local councils, suggests a strategic approach to policy that prioritizes regional economic interests. Carlson's legislative record shows an unexpected convergence with opposing factions on environmental regulations, revealing a highly calculated approach to protecting regional industrial interests. His defeat in the 2022 primary indicates a shift in party dynamics, yet his continued influence as a lobbyist hints at a persistent, behind-the-scenes role in shaping policy.