Matthew is a 9th District native with senior-level experience in policy and government. Most recently, Matthew has served as Legislative Director for Assemblymember Eloise Gomez Reyes in the California State Legislature, where he was responsible for coordinating a two-year legislative package and political strategy. He began his career at the State Capitol as a Jesse M. Unruh Assembly Fellow for Assemblymember Dr. Shirley Weber.
 
Born and raised in the Longwood Neighborhood of North Long Beach where his parents still live, he credits his love for the city and passion for government and public service to his time spent working as a teen for the City of Long Beach Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine.  
 
Matthew is a graduate of California Lutheran University where he received his BA in Political Science and Minored in Economics with an emphasis in Law and Public Policy. He is an avid sports fan as well as a former college football player and track and field athlete. Matthew is also currently a member of the Leadership Long Beach Class of 2020 and serves as Vice President of Programs for the Long Beach Democratic Club.