Matt took office representing the 13th Legislative District in December of 2012 after his predecessor resigned before Matt was to begin his first term in 2013.

Matt is a professor at Central Washington University (CWU) where he teaches Political Science and Constitutional Law.

He is the author of several scholarly books and articles on tort reform, voting behavior, state court procedures and constitutional law. Matt has also produced and hosted several TV and radio shows.

He received a bachelor’s degree in economics and a teaching certificate from Whitman College. He also earned his master’s degree in political science from the University of Montana and his Ph.D. in political science from the University of Oregon.

He has served as a president of the Pacific Northwest Political Science Association and president of the CWU Faculty Senate. He has also served on the board of directors of HopeSource and the Ellensburg Chamber of Commerce.

Matt’s focus in Olympia is to create a smaller, less expensive, more efficient government that provides solution-oriented leadership. He believes Washington’s economy can be more competitive with other states, by rewarding innovation and creativity instead of punishing it.

Matt’s priorities also include protecting existing water rights and finding water storage as well as advocating for protection of property rights and more local control. He also believes decisions on land use and school curriculum should be made by local elected leaders, not in Olympia.

Matt resides in Ellensburg with his wife Shelley and his two sons Lincoln and Grayson.