Matt Claman

Matthew W. Claman is an American politician and attorney currently serving as a member of the Alaska Senate, representing District H, which encompasses West Anchorage. A member of the Democratic Party, Claman has a diverse political background that includes previous roles as a member of the Alaska House of Representatives, the acting mayor of Anchorage, and a member of the Anchorage Assembly. His career has been marked by a focus on legislative reform and addressing Alaska's financial challenges.

Early life and career

Matthew Claman was born in 1959 in Dallas, Texas. He pursued higher education at Colorado College in Colorado Springs, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history. In 1980, Claman relocated to Alaska, initially taking a position as a prep cook at a mining camp. This early experience in Alaska laid the groundwork for his long-term commitment to the state.

Claman later moved to Austin, Texas, to attend the University of Texas School of Law, where he obtained his Juris Doctor degree. Following his graduation, he returned to Alaska to begin his legal career. Claman became a trial and appellate attorney with Lane Powell, a regional law firm, and he has held significant leadership roles within the legal community, including serving as the past president of the Alaska Bar Association.

Claman's political career began in local government when he was elected to the Anchorage Assembly in 2007. His leadership abilities were recognized when he was appointed chair of the Assembly in 2008. During his tenure, he faced significant challenges, including the financial crisis that affected municipalities across the country. In 2009, following the election of Mark Begich to the United States Senate, Claman served as the acting mayor of Anchorage. In this role, he was responsible for leading efforts to reduce the municipal budget by approximately 5%, which amounted to a $20 million cut, while also negotiating concessions to achieve a balanced budget.

Despite his experience as acting mayor, Claman ran for the mayoral position in 2009 but did not succeed, finishing fifth in the election with a small percentage of the vote. Nevertheless, his political career continued to progress, and in 2014, he was elected to the Alaska House of Representatives, marking the beginning of his tenure in state-level politics.

Legislative service

Claman's legislative career in the Alaska House of Representatives began in 2015, where he served as a member of the Democratic minority. During his initial term, he was appointed to several key committees, including the Judiciary Committee, the Transportation Committee, and the Energy Committee. His legislative priorities included addressing Alaska's financial challenges, which he identified as a critical issue for the state.

In 2016, Claman was re-elected to the House and became part of a 22-member majority coalition that included 17 Democrats, three Republicans, and two independents. His peers recognized his leadership capabilities by selecting him to chair the House Judiciary Committee, a position he had previously held as a committee member. In addition to his role as chair, he served as the vice chair of the Rules Committee and was a member of the Legislative Council, the Energy Committee, the Transportation Committee, and the Criminal Justice Commission.

Throughout his time in the House, Claman introduced various pieces of legislation aimed at improving governance and addressing pressing issues. One notable initiative was a proposal to amend the Constitution of Alaska to limit the legislative session to 90 days, reflecting his commitment to efficient governance. He also responded to significant social issues, introducing legislation to prohibit police officers from engaging in sexual acts with prostitution suspects prior to their arrest, addressing a legal loophole that had come to light.

In 2022, Claman transitioned to the Alaska Senate, winning a seat in a competitive race against the Republican incumbent, Mia Costello. His election to the Senate marked a continuation of his commitment to public service and legislative reform.

Policy focus and district

As a member of the Alaska Senate, Claman represents District H, which includes West Anchorage. His policy focus has been shaped by his experiences in local and state government, as well as his legal background. Claman has consistently emphasized the importance of addressing Alaska's financial challenges, advocating for responsible budgeting and fiscal management.

In the Senate, Claman continues to prioritize legislative initiatives that promote transparency, accountability, and social justice. His previous work on the Judiciary Committee has informed his approach to criminal justice reform, and he remains engaged in discussions surrounding public safety and community welfare.

Claman's district, West Anchorage, is characterized by a diverse population and a range of community needs. As a legislator, he aims to represent the interests of his constituents while navigating the complexities of state governance. His background as a trial attorney and his experience in local government provide him with a unique perspective on the challenges facing Alaska.

In addition to his legislative responsibilities, Claman is actively involved in his community. He is married to Lisa Rieger, who works for the Cook Inlet Tribal Council, a prominent nonprofit organization in the region. Together, they have two children. Claman's personal interests include being a licensed EMT and a professional wilderness guide, reflecting his commitment to both public service and the natural environment of Alaska.

As of November 2025, Claman announced his candidacy for the 2026 Alaska gubernatorial election, indicating his ongoing ambition to serve the state in a higher capacity. His political journey reflects a dedication to public service and a focus on addressing the issues that matter most to Alaskans.