Matt Haney is a progressive Democratic member of the California State Assembly representing District 17, which encompasses the eastern portion of San Francisco. Born on April 17, 1982, he won a special election in 2022 to succeed David Chiu, defeating fellow Democrat David Campos in a runoff, and was sworn in on May 3, 2022. Notable achievements include chairing the Committee on Housing and Community Development and the Legislative Renters’ Caucus as one of few renters in the Legislature; previously serving as Assistant Majority Whip, Chair of the Select Committee on Fentanyl, Opioid Addiction, and Overdose Prevention, and Assistant Majority Leader for Policy and Research; passing 12 bills in his first full year addressing housing, homelessness, addiction , public safety, workers’ rights, and climate; co-founding #cut50 with Van Jones to end mass incarceration; championing transgender history recognition, tenant protections, and housing over 2,000 people during the pandemic; and introducing bills like AB 1633 to tax private immigration detention profits and protect legal cannabis.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Bachelor's degree in urban development from UC Berkeley ; master's degree and law degree from Stanford University. Worked as a lecturer and adjunct faculty at Stanford Design School.
• Early Career: Legislative aide to State Senator Joe Simitian; Executive Director of the UC Student Association, securing tuition freezes and the California DREAM Act; National Policy Director for The Dream Corps; pro bono attorney defending families from eviction.
• *San Francisco Board of Education *: As president, achieved record graduation and college attendance rates; authored “Safe and Supportive Schools” policy reducing suspensions by over 50%; expanded computer science education and affordable teacher housing; visited all 113 public K-12 schools; earned endorsement from President Barack Obama.
• *San Francisco Board of Supervisors, District 6 *: Championed mental health care access, 24-hour bathrooms, bike lanes, slow streets, tenant protections; facilitated over 5,000 housing units as Budget and Finance Committee Chair; oversaw investments in affordable housing, public safety, and economic recovery.