Matt Okerson

Matt Okerson's career experience includes working as a defense contractor. He served in the U.S. Army.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Raised in a working-class family, Matthew wasn’t born into privilege — he was built by faith, grit, and hard work. From a young age, he learned that nothing is given, everything is earned. His family faced tough times, but through the grace of God and the strength of their local church, they always had what they needed. Those early struggles didn’t hold him back — they forged his values: self-reliance, service over self, and an unshakable commitment to putting people first.

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?

Texas First. America Always.

Powered by the People.

No insiders and no political games — just real, accountable representation that puts the people first.Smaller Government. Greater Freedom.

Washington has grown too big, too powerful, and too detached from the people it claims to represent.Term Limits & True Accountability

Congress wasn't meant to be a career path — it was meant to be public service.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

America First, America Always. Protect Our Families. Defend Our Future. Smaller Government. Greater Freedom. Term Limits & True Accountability. Grounded in the Grassroots. Rebuild the American Middle Class.

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

Integrity – You say what you mean and mean what you say. You’re not for sale and won’t play the D.C. insider games.

Service-Driven – A U.S. Army veteran who understands duty, accountability, and leadership.

Principled Conservative – Grounded in faith, family, and freedom — not political trends.

Decisive and Realistic – You value common sense over bureaucracy, results over rhetoric.

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

To represent the people of your district — not lobbyists, not special interests — and to advance legislation that improves their lives.

What legacy would you like to leave?

The legacy I want to leave is one of fighting for the working-class American and improving the lives of the majority of our citizens. I want to reconnect Congress to its true purpose — representing the people, not the political elite, wealth, or special interests. I aim to be a champion and a voice for everyday Americans, proving that elected representatives must stay connected to the people they serve.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

I was in fifth grade when Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait. I’ll never forget seeing U.S. Abrams tanks advancing to liberate the Kuwaitis. The Gulf War was the first war I remember, and it left a lasting impression on me about the importance of freedom and defending what’s right.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My first job was at Bob Evans, where I worked as a dishwasher and busboy for a little over a year. I also did construction work, often holding two jobs during the summer. Those early experiences taught me the value of hard work, responsibility, and determination — lessons that continue to guide me today.

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

Members are directly elected, serve short two-year terms, represent specific districts, and hold exclusive powers like initiating revenue bills and impeachments. It’s crucial for members to stay connected to the people they represent, not the institution, so decisions reflect the needs and values of their constituents rather than political insiders.

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

Prior experience in Washington isn’t always necessary — in fact, having no political background can be a strength. Someone who hasn’t been part of the established system is free from insider influence, lobbyist pressure, and entrenched bureaucracy. This allows them to make decisions based on what’s best for the people, not what keeps them in office or connected to the political machine. Fresh perspectives can drive real change, accountability, and results.

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

We’re facing record debt and a government that’s lost focus on putting the working class first. But one of the biggest threats we’re not talking enough about is the unchecked rise of artificial intelligence and technology.

AI will change everything — from our jobs to our privacy to our national security. If we don’t lead with responsibility and protect American workers and innovation, we risk handing our future to corporations and foreign powers that don’t share our values.

The next 10 years will define whether we remain strong, free, and independent — or whether technology controls us instead of serving us. We must choose strength, accountability, and leadership that puts people before machines and America before global interests.

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

Yes. The two-year term is designed to keep Representatives accountable. Because they face voters frequently, they must stay closely connected to their districts, listen to constituents’ concerns, and act in their best interest. It prevents complacency, limits careerism, and ensures that public service remains focused on serving the people, not the institution.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I strongly support term limits for members of Congress. Too many politicians treat Washington like a career, not a duty. That’s why I’m making a personal commitment: I will serve no more than four terms — eight years — in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Public service should be about results, not re-election. I’ll fight for term limits because our nation deserves fresh leadership, new energy, and representatives who never forget who they work for the people

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

Yes! Compromise isn’t weakness — it’s leadership. I’ll work with anybody who loves our country and respects our Constitution, Republican or Democrat. Lasting legislation comes from bipartisan solutions, not political games

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?

Fiscal responsibility is non-negotiable. For every dollar of new spending, two dollars must be cut elsewhere. Our priority is reducing the national debt and ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent wisely, not wasted on unnecessary programs.

How should the U.S. House use its investigative powers?

The U.S. House should fully use its investigative powers to hold everyone accountable. Our priority is not politics or personal attacks — it’s exposing wrongdoing and stopping corruption wherever it exists, so the government serves the people, not itself.

What is an accomplishment that you are proud of?

I’m most proud of my service to our country first as a U.S. Army soldier, and then continuing as a contractor in Southeast Asia, including Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kuwait, where I helped protect U.S. personnel at the Baghdad Embassy. I’m also proud of my work safeguarding critical infrastructure and medical health information for U.S. soldiers as a cybersecurity expert. Beyond that, I’ve dedicated time to community service, including participating in elections and attending county and state Republican conventions.

What role should the United States government have in the development or use of artificial intelligence?

Artificial intelligence must be regulated and held in check. It’s the government’s responsibility to set boundaries and safeguards to protect our most vulnerable, including our children, and to defend our national interests against misuse or foreign threats.

What legislation would you enact related to election administration in the United States?

I believe elections belong to the states, and the federal government should not control them. At the same time, the government can provide simple guidelines to help protect the integrity of our elections.

Trust in the way we elect our officials is essential to preserving our democracy. While the primary responsibility lies with state legislatures, the federal government has a role in offering guidance to ensure secure, fair, and transparent elections.

Under no circumstances should non-U.S. citizens be allowed to vote!