Representative Matt Bliss

Matt Bliss is a Republican member of the Minnesota House of Representatives, representing District 2B in northern Minnesota, which includes parts of Becker, Beltrami, Cass, Clearwater, Hubbard, Itasca, and Mahnomen Counties, as well as cities like Bagley, Blackduck, Cass Lake, Deer River, Mahnomen, and Walker. First elected in 2016, he defeated four-term DFL incumbent John Persell but lost to Persell by 11 votes in 2018 after a recount. Bliss reclaimed the seat in 2020 and won reelection in 2022; as of recent announcements, he is seeking a fifth term. A small-business owner and married, Bliss is a leading advocate for veterans, having played a key role in constructing a new military facility in Bemidji. He has criticized red-flag gun control proposals and Democratic defunding of police efforts.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Trained in U.S. Navy communications and electronics.
• Political Experience: Serves as Republican chair of the Veterans and Military Affairs Division; member of Public Safety Finance and Policy, and Judiciary Finance and Civil Law committees. Elected in 2016 .