Senator Matt Boehnke represents Washington's 8th Legislative District in the State Senate, covering parts of Benton and Franklin counties including Kennewick, Richland, and Pasco. A lifelong Tri-Cities resident born in June 1968, he is a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel with over 21 years of service in aviation and information technology, and currently serves as a tenured assistant professor and director of the cybersecurity program at Columbia Basin College. Notable achievements include bipartisan legislation on AI deepfake protection, financial aid tracking, student safety, mental health services, workforce development, and reliable energy solutions; he is a leading voice on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, advanced nuclear energy, and data center policy. In the Senate, he is ranking member of the Environment, Energy & Technology Committee and serves on Higher Education & Workforce Development, Ways & Means, and Rules.

Education

• BA in Government, Political Science, and History, Eastern Washington University.
• MS in Aeronautical Science , Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
• Attended Information Technology Management, National Defense University.

Political Experience

• Kennewick City Council , earning Certificate of Municipal Leadership; served on multiple local boards including Benton County Mosquito Control District and Benton Franklin Council of Governments.
• Washington State House of Representatives, 8th District ; committees included Higher Education & Workforce Development , Innovation, Technology & Economic Development, Environment & Energy, and Transportation.
• Washington State Senate, 8th District .