Matthew W. Claman (born 1959) is an American politician and attorney serving as a member of the Alaska Senate since 2023, representing West Anchorage. Claman previously served as a member of the Alaska House of Representatives from 2015 until 2023; the acting mayor of Anchorage from in 2009 (after Mark Begich resigned from the position to serve in the United States Senate), and a member of the Anchorage Assembly from 2007 until 2010.
Matt Claman | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Claman in 2024 | |
| Member of the Alaska Senate | |
| Assumed office January 17, 2023 | |
| Preceded by | Mia Costello |
| Constituency | H |
| Member of the Alaska House of Representatives | |
| In office January 20, 2015 – January 2023 | |
| Preceded by | Lindsey Holmes |
| Succeeded by | Jennie Armstrong (District 16) |
| Constituency | 21 |
| Mayor of Anchorage, Alaska | |
Acting | |
| In office January 3, 2009 – July 1, 2009 | |
| Preceded by | Mark Begich |
| Succeeded by | Dan Sullivan |
| Member of the Anchorage Assembly from Seat D | |
| In office April 2007 – April 2010 | |
| Preceded by | Pamela Jennings |
| Succeeded by | Ernie Hall |
| Personal details | |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Lisa Rieger |
| Children | 2 |
| Residence(s) | Anchorage, Alaska, U.S. |
| Alma mater | Colorado College (BA) University of Texas (JD) |
| Profession | Lawyer |
Early life and education
editClaman was raised in Dallas, Texas. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Colorado College. Claman moved to Alaska in 1980, working as a prep cook at a mining camp.[1][2] Claman returned to Texas to earn Juris Doctor from the University of Texas School of Law. He then returned to Alaska and began to practice law.[3]
Career
editClaman is a trial and appellate attorney with Lane Powell, a regional law firm, and is past President of the Alaska Bar Association.
Claman served on the Anchorage Assembly beginning in 2007 and became its chair in 2008. He became the Acting Mayor of Anchorage in 2009 when then-Mayor Mark Begich was elected Alaska's United States Senator in the 2008 general election.[4] As Acting Mayor during 2008 financial crisis, he led efforts to reduce the municipal budget by $20 million, approximately 5%, and negotiated concessions to achieve a balanced budget.[5][3]
Claman was elected to the Alaska House of Representatives in 2014, and joined the Democratic minority.[6] During his first term, he sat on the Judiciary Committee, the Transportation Committee, and the Energy Committee. He is a strong advocate for a responsible action plan to address Alaska's financial challenges.[7]
In 2016, Claman was re-elected to the State House. Following the election, he joined the Alaska House Majority Coalition of 22 Democrats, Republicans, and Independents who are committed to working together to put Alaska first.[8] His peers selected him to chair the House Judiciary Committee, where he previously served as a committee member. He is also the Vice Chair of the Rules Committee and a member of the Legislative Council, Energy Committee, Transportation Committee, and Criminal Justice Commission. Claman has introduced legislation for a statewide vote to amend the Constitution of Alaska and limit the session to 90 days.
In response to reports about incidents of inappropriate conduct between undercover police officials and alleged sex workers, which revealed a legal loophole (not only in Alaska, but in all U.S. states) that allows police officers to engage in sex acts with prostitution suspects prior to their arrest, Claman introduced legislation (Alaska HB 112) to make it illegal.[9][10]
In 2022, Claman was elected to the Alaska Senate, defeating Republican incumbent Mia Costello.[11]
Personal life
editClaman is married to Lisa Rieger, who works for Cook Inlet Tribal Council, one of Alaska's most successful non-profit corporations. Matt and Lisa have two adult children. Claman is a licensed EMT and professional wilderness guide.[3]
References
edit- ^ KTUU. "House District 21 - Matt Claman". www.ktuu.com. Retrieved June 23, 2020.
- ^ "Our Campaigns - Candidate - Matt Claman". www.ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved June 23, 2020.
- ^ a b c "Alaska State Legislature". akleg.gov. Retrieved November 13, 2022.
- ^ "Claman will become mayor Saturday: Anchorage Assembly | Alaska news a…". archive.li. July 28, 2012. Archived from the original on July 28, 2012. Retrieved February 3, 2017.
{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link) - ^ "Our view: Claman". Alaska Dispatch News. June 30, 2009. Retrieved February 3, 2017.
- ^ "Governor, Juneau delegation greet newcomers". Archived from the original on February 9, 2015. Retrieved February 3, 2017.
- ^ Athens, Maria. "Representative Matt Claman: "We Need A Responsible Action Plan For Alaska"". Your Alaska Link. Retrieved February 3, 2017.
- ^ "Alaska House will be run by coalition while Senate remains under Republican control". Alaska Dispatch News. November 10, 2016. Retrieved February 3, 2017.
- ^ "Sex Workers In Alaska Say Cops Are Abusing Their Power To Solicit Sex Acts". HuffPost. August 17, 2017. Retrieved March 23, 2023.
- ^ "Alaska State Legislature". www.akleg.gov. Retrieved March 23, 2023.
- ^ "Matt Claman". Ballotpedia. Retrieved July 26, 2023.