Mathew W. "Mat" Pitsch (born 1963 or 1964)[1] is an American politician who most recently served as a member of the Arkansas Senate from the 8th district. Elected in November 2018, he was in office from January 14, 2019 to January 9, 2023. Pitsch was a member of the Arkansas House of Representatives from 2015 to 2019.

Mat Pitsch
Member of the Arkansas Senate
from the 8th district
In office
January 14, 2019 – January 9, 2023
Preceded byFrank Glidewell
Succeeded byStephanie Flowers
Majority Leader of the Arkansas House of Representatives
In office
January 9, 2017 – March 26, 2018
Preceded byKen Bragg
Succeeded byMarcus Richmond
Member of the Arkansas House of Representatives
from the 76th district
In office
January 2015 – January 14, 2019
Preceded byDenny Altes
Succeeded byCindy Crawford
Personal details
Born1963 or 1964 (age 60–61)
Buffalo, Wyoming, U.S.
Political partyRepublican
SpouseSeanna
Children4
EducationMissouri University of Science and Technology (BS, MS)

Early life and education

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Pitsch was born in Buffalo, Wyoming and raised in Fort Smith, Arkansas. He earned Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in engineering management from the Missouri University of Science and Technology.[2][3] The university honored Pitsch in 2005, including him among the first inductees into its Academy of Engineering Management.[4]

Career

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Prior to entering politics, Pitsch worked as the executive director of Western Arkansas Intermodal Authority and dean of the College of Applied Science and Technology at the University of Arkansas–Fort Smith. He was elected to the Arkansas Senate in November 2018 and assumed office on January 14, 2019.[5]

In February 2021, Pitsch declared his candidacy for treasurer of Arkansas in the 2022 election.[6] He was endorsed by incumbent treasurer Dennis Milligan.[7] In the Republican primary, Pitsch lost the nomination nearly 3:1 to Arkansas House representative Mark Lowery.[8]

By June 2023, Pitsch became the director of government affairs for the secretary of state's office.[9]

References

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  1. ^ Wickline, Michael R. (February 3, 2021). "Senator first to get in treasurer '22 race". Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. Little Rock, AR. Pitsch, 57, is executive director of the Western Arkansas Intermodal Authority.
  2. ^ "Mathew Pitsch". Ballotpedia. Retrieved 2021-09-25.
  3. ^ "Mat Pitsch's Biography". Vote Smart. Retrieved 2021-09-25.
  4. ^ "New academy to honor outstanding professionals in engineering management". Missouri University of Science and Technology. April 28, 2005. Retrieved November 13, 2021.
  5. ^ "Mathew Pitsch". Arkansas Senate. Retrieved 2021-09-25.
  6. ^ "Sen. Mathew Pitsch to run for Arkansas Treasurer". 5newsonline.com. February 1, 2021. Retrieved 2021-09-25.
  7. ^ "Treasurer Dennis Milligan endorses Pitsch over Lowery in GOP primary". KATV. May 4, 2022. Retrieved January 31, 2023.
  8. ^ "2022 Arkansas Treasurer Republican Primary Results: Treasurer". USA Today. Retrieved June 8, 2022.
  9. ^ "Report of the Executive Subcommittee of the Arkansas Legislative Council" (PDF). June 16, 2023. Retrieved October 5, 2024. Co-Chair Wardlaw recognized Mr. Mathew Pitsch, Director of Government Affairs, Secretary of State's Office
Arkansas House of Representatives
Preceded by Majority Leader of the Arkansas House of Representatives
2017–2018
Succeeded by