The Hill's 50 Most Beautiful People

Age: 24
Hometown: Chapel Hill, N.C.
Political party: Democratic
Relationship status: Single

On most weekday mornings, you can probably see Andrew Simpson riding his long board to work on Capitol Hill. His tall, athletic build and big smile already make him hard to miss, but with the long board, it’s near impossible.

“People give me a tough time for [it] in the office,” he chuckles. “Hey, it’s cheap on gas!”

Unlike many in Congress, the religious staffer says he tries to see both sides of political issues.

“My father is a pastor in North Carolina and so I grew up in the church, but as part of going to church every Sunday morning I heard him talk about caring for the marginalized and the poor, and those who didn’t have an advocate,” Simpson says. “My faith sort of translated to a more progressive side of the aisle, but I’ve got to say, I think faith transcends politics and doesn’t fall neatly within political lines.”

Simpson’s work with a faith-based progressive organization after college next led to a staff assistant job with Rep. Mike McIntyre (D-N.C.). And while he won’t rule out working for a Republican one day, right now Simpson is having too much fun in McIntyre’s office and on his summer stint as a field organizer for the North Carolina Democratic Party.

“I think I’ll stick with the Democrats for now,” he says.

In addition to long boarding, Simpson stays in shape by hitting the gym, playing on a House softball team — the North Carolina Moonshiners — and coaching a basketball team in Columbia Heights during the winter.

“Stuff where you get to meet new folks and work out is ideal for me,” Simpson says with a laugh. “I’m trying to become a morning workout guy and failing miserably.”

— Debbie Siegelbaum

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