Marian Matthews is a Democratic State Representative for House District 27 in New Mexico, covering Albuquerque's Northeast Heights in Bernalillo County. Appointed to the seat on January 7, 2020, following the death of Rep. William "Bill" Pratt, she has served continuously since, focusing on economic development, public safety, and environmental protection. Notable achievements include introducing the "PTSD Presumption for First Responders" bill in her first session, co-sponsoring the "Safer Communities Act," and advocating for small business capital through initiatives like the Enchantment Land Certified Development Company, which has leveraged nearly $850 million in investments and created about 11,000 jobs. She serves on the House Rural Development, Land Grants, and Cultural Affairs Committee and the Commerce and Economic Development Committee.

Education and Political Experience

Matthews began her career as a newspaper reporter in Springfield, Missouri, and Alamogordo, New Mexico, before becoming a criminal prosecutor, children's advocate, attorney, and educator across public, non-profit, and private sectors. In the early 1990s, she served as Deputy Attorney General under Tom Udall, supervising divisions like consumer protection and leading on economic development issues. Later, she lobbied for using Severance Tax Permanent Fund monies to support entrepreneurs and taught as an instructor at Central New Mexico Community College. Now retired, she continues as a moderate Democrat emphasizing business, entrepreneurship, and workforce development.