Matt Shea is an American conservative lawyer, pastor, and former politician born on April 18, 1974, in Spokane, Washington. A Republican, he represented Washington's 4th Legislative District in the state House of Representatives from 2009 to 2021. His family has deep roots in Eastern Washington for four generations, including operating one of the first stagecoaches in the state; he grew up in Spokane Valley and later lived in Bellingham. Shea hosted Patriot Radio, co-founded the socially conservative Washington Family Foundation, and was involved with groups like Protect Marriage Washington and ACT! for America. A 2019 Washington House report accused him of domestic terrorism related to armed standoffs with federal authorities.

Education and Political Experience

Shea earned a BA in History and Political Science from Gonzaga University as a Distinguished Military Graduate through ROTC, followed by a law degree cum laude from Gonzaga Law School. In politics, he was first elected in 2008 and re-elected in 2012, 2014, 2016, and 2018; he served as Assistant Minority Floor Leader and was named Rookie Legislator of the Year in 2009. Other roles included Vice Chairman of the Eastern WA Army Advisory Board, allied attorney with Alliance Defending Freedom, and introducing measures like House Memorials for a new "State of Liberty" from Eastern Washington.