Gress, Matt

Meet the Candidate

Running For:
State House
District:
4
Political Affiliation:
Republican
Age:
35
Occupation:
Business and Strategic Planning Consulting
Education:
Bachelor's Degree in Political Science & History, University of Oklahoma; Master's Degree in Public Administration, Syracuse University
Religion:
Christian
Biographical Info:

Matt Gress currently represents District 4 in the Arizona House of Representatives, which includes Scottsdale, Arcadia, Paradise Valley, and North Phoenix. Like many, Matt came here from somewhere else – small town Oklahoma. The youngest of four, he was raised by a single mom in a single-wide trailer. Matt learned the value of hard work, putting himself through college driving school buses. He was the first in his family to earn a degree. After graduating, Matt became a high school English teacher in the Tulsa Public School District in Oklahoma. From 2017-2021, Matt was elected as a Governing Board Member in the Madison Elementary School District, and from 2020 to 2022 served on the Maricopa County Planning & Zoning Commission.

Statement:

I believe in common sense principles like a secure border, small government, balanced budgets, and individual liberty. As a state representative, I’ve worked relentlessly to address pressing issues: fighting the Biden administration’s open border politics, reducing the cost of living, increasing teacher pay, and tackling crime and homelessness. I’m honored to receive endorsements from police officers, firefighters, and local business organizations. When I served as a Governing Board Member in the Madison Elementary School District, I fought to keep schools open during COVID-19 and supported educational freedom for parents to choose the best learning options for their kids. When I was the state’s chief budget director, I helped author the largest tax cut in Arizona history.

In the Arizona House, I’ll continue to advocate for the following policies that work for Arizona:

1. Border security;
2. School choice for families and kids;
3. Strong public safety;
4. Low taxes and light regulation to create more jobs;
5. Balanced budgets;
6. Water security and clean air; and
7. Secure elections.

Endorsements:

National Federation of Independent Business AZ (NFIB), AZ Women of Action, AZ Free Enterprise Club, AZ Chamber of Commerce, Phoenix Law Enforcement Association, Arizona Police Association, Greater Phoenix Chamber, Arizona Troopers Association, Center for Arizona Policy Action

Survey

Response Legend

  • SSupports
  • OOpposes
  • *Comment
  • −Declined to respond
  • †Declined to respond, Position based on citation

Question Response Comments/Notes
1. Interpreting the 2nd Amendment as protecting an individual’s right to keep and bear arms. S
2. Adding “sexual orientation,” “gender identity,” or “gender expression” to the protected classes of race, religion, age, sex, and ancestry in nondiscrimination law. −* No person should be discriminated against, and we must also respect religious freedom.
3. Amending the Arizona State Constitution to grant a fundamental right to every individual to an abortion. −* This issue will be in the hands of the voters in November. I support a 15-week timeframe with exceptions including rape, incest, and life of the woman and oppose late-term and taxpayer funded abortions.
4. Securing the border by preventing all illegal crossings. S
5. Using taxpayer funds to support any organization that performs, promotes, or provides referrals for abortion. O
6. Allowing all parents to use tax credits and taxpayer funded empowerment scholarship accounts to enable their children to attend any private school, homeschool, or online academy of their choice. S
7. Legalizing physician-assisted suicide. O
8. Allowing parents to seek professional counseling for their minor child with same-sex attraction or gender identity issues. S* Mental health is one of the top burdens facing kids today. Parents should be empowered, not hindered, to help their kids struggling with any issue they face.
9. Permitting individuals and businesses to not provide services or promote ideas that violate their moral or religious beliefs. −* No person should be discriminated against, and we must also respect religious freedom.
10. Keeping the flat income tax rate in Arizona’s state tax code. S
11. Requiring any government entity, including schools, to inform parents about their child’s physical, emotional, or mental health. S
12. Enhancing penalties for the sale and possession of fentanyl. S