About Rep. Matt Shea

Rep. Matt Shea is a fourth-generation Eastern Washington resident. His family operated one of the first stagecoaches in Washington. Matt grew up in Spokane Valley where he attended school. Later, he earned a BA in history and political science at Gonzaga University, and graduated cum laude from Gonzaga School of Law.

After completing Gonzaga University’s ROTC program as a distinguished military graduate, Matt earned a commission in the U.S. Army. He served two combat tours, including eight months as a platoon leader in Bosnia and 11 months as a company commander and logistics officer in Iraq. For his service, Matt was awarded a Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, and Combat Infantryman’s Badge, among many other awards and commendations.

Matt was elected to the Washington House of Representatives in November 2008, serving the 4th Legislative District, which includes the greater Spokane Valley to the Idaho border.

Rep. Matt Shea is recognized nationally as a Constitutional conservative and a pro-liberty legislator. His vision is to see a God-honoring Constitutional Republic restored and to ensure that current and future generations can live in peace, prosperity and freedom.

Matt helped to spearhead “The Freedom Agenda” — legislation based on defending the Constitution, state and national security, property rights, gun ownership, public safety, veterans, and the sanctity of human life, while promoting lower taxes, less government and more freedom. He also believes that by limiting government, the free enterprise system will be empowered to grow small businesses and create more jobs in the private sector.

Shea served seven years as Republican assistant floor leader in the Washington House of Representatives, using his leadership experience as a private practice attorney in Spokane to help manage legislation and debate on the House floor.  In 2017 and 2018, he was elected Caucus Chair, where he presided over caucus meetings and helped set the caucus agenda and priorities.

Matt is a member of the Alliance Defending Freedom, a nationwide network of more than 1,000 attorneys dedicated to preserving religious freedom. He is co-founder of the Washington Family Foundation, which later merged with the Family Policy Institute of Washington. Also, Matt is host of “Patriot Radio” on the American Christian Network.

Matt and his wife, Viktoriya, reside in Spokane Valley.