Matt Harman

Matt Harman was born in Barberton, Ohio. His career experience includes working as a retail manager and social activist.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

My name is Matt Harman, I am running to unseat incumbent Rep. Bob Gibbs (R) here in Ohio's 7th congressional district. I am a progressive democrat that is ready to win and fight for the normal, hardworking people across the country. I always say the best experience is life, and I have it tenfold. I am here to represent the majority, not the top one percent. People need representatives who are their neighbors and who have experienced the same day-to-day struggles. I am not here to court the ideas I am here to provide tangible change people can see and benefit from.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

I am going to truly give congress back to you.you deserve a neighbor in Washington, not a stranger.This campaign is about WE not me.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

-Ensuring easy and fair access to voting

-Women's reproductive rights

-Public education

-Income equality

-ensuring the protection of LGBTQ+ communities

-Erasing student debt

-Police reform

-Protecting Democracy

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I look up to my Father, He has always supported me in any endeavor I've chosen to explore. He has taught me nearly everything I know and has provided me with immense wisdom. When he fell ill in 2005 with COPD, of which he is in the end stages of, my life changed. We had more conversations, spent more time together and for that, I will forever be grateful. My dad is my number one supporter and I want to win for him, to make him proud one more time.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

elected officials must remain true to themselves, be transparent and most of all be accessible to their constituents.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Honestly, relatability, normalcy, transparency.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The most important and obvious responsibility is to uphold and protect the United States Constitution.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I would like my legacy to be one that shows kids that grew up in my situation that anything is possible, and that anyone can make changes in the world.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

life is a struggle in itself.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

Speaking for the present, the diversity of culture and voices.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

No.

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

Preserving Democracy.

If you are not a current representative, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

My main focus is winning the election in November. I will make decisions on committees once in DC.

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

Yes.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I believe that term limits are necessary in order to usher in the ideals of the new generation of the country. We cannot properly progress as a nation with members of any elected persons serving more than 5 terms.

Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

There are many Reps. I admire, but I am me, and I want to create my own legacy for my constituents.

Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

I work with the public every day, and I hear stories every day of people who live paycheck to paycheck and find it extremely difficult to just stay afloat in order to provide for their families. those are the stories that touch me the most and inspire me to make changes so that they do not have to live in that way.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

We make compromises every day in our normal lives, so its naturally necessary to try to compromise in policymaking.

The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?

I will determine that priority once elected.

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