Matt Cartwright

Matt Cartwright – Life, Career, and Public Service

Explore the life and career of Matt Cartwright (born May 1, 1961), American attorney and Democratic politician. Learn his background, legislative work, key accomplishments, political philosophy, and legacy.

Introduction

Matt Cartwright is an American lawyer and Democratic politician who served as a U.S. Representative from Pennsylvania from 2013 until 2025. During his tenure in Congress, he represented first Pennsylvania’s 17th district and later the 8th. Known for his emphasis on consumer protection, infrastructure, healthcare, and progressive values, Cartwright carved out a reputation as a principled legislator often working across lines to address local and national issues.

Early Life and Education

Matthew Alton Cartwright was born on May 1, 1961, in Erie, Pennsylvania.

Cartwright’s secondary education included attending Upper Canada College in Toronto, Canada, from which he graduated in 1979. Bachelor of Arts in History, magna cum laude, from Hamilton College in 1983, where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa.

He studied law at the University of Pennsylvania Law School, receiving his Juris Doctor (J.D.) in 1986.

During his time at university, Cartwright spent a period at the London School of Economics (in 1981), where he met his future wife, Marion Munley.

Legal Career

After law school, Cartwright began his legal career as an associate in the litigation department of the Philadelphia firm Montgomery, McCracken, Walker & Rhoads, focusing on commercial and securities litigation. Munley, Munley & Cartwright firm in northeastern Pennsylvania (Scranton area), which was affiliated with his wife’s family.

Over roughly two decades, Cartwright built a reputation representing consumers, plaintiffs, and businesses in litigation.

Cartwright also engaged in public legal commentary; from 2005 to 2011 he served as a legal analyst on a TV segment titled “The Law & You” for a local NBC affiliate, responding to viewer questions. Litigating Commercial and Business Tort Cases.

Entry into Politics

Cartwright’s political engagement began earlier. In 1992, he served as a delegate for Bill Clinton at the Democratic National Convention representing Pennsylvania’s 10th district.

By the late 2000s and early 2010s, Cartwright positioned himself to run for Congress, capitalizing on redistricting in Pennsylvania.

Congressional Career

Elections & Districts

• In 2012, after Pennsylvania’s congressional map was redrawn, Cartwright challenged incumbent Democrat Tim Holden in the Democratic primary for the newly drawn 17th district. He won the primary 57% to 43%.

• He took office on January 3, 2013.

• Through redistricting, Cartwright’s district was renumbered to Pennsylvania’s 8th district from 2019 through 2025.

• In 2024, Cartwright was defeated by Republican Rob Bresnahan. He exited Congress on January 3, 2025.

Committee Assignments & Leadership

During his tenure, Cartwright served on the House Committee on Appropriations, where he held leadership roles in subcommittees including Commerce, Justice, Science and Financial Services & General Government.

He also held a position as Co-Chair of the House Democratic Policy and Communications Committee from January 2019 to January 2023.

Legislative Focus & Policy Positions

Some of Cartwright’s notable policy emphases and voting patterns:

• Healthcare: He strongly backed the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and opposed repeal efforts. He has also expressed support for broader reforms, including Medicare for All.

• Veterans & Environmental Health: Cartwright was a sponsor of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2021, which provided a legal remedy for those affected by toxic water contamination at the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune.

• Infrastructure & Transportation: He championed reestablishing passenger rail service between northeastern Pennsylvania and New York City, seeking funds via federal infrastructure legislation.

• Energy and Environment: Cartwright introduced the Streamlining Energy Efficiency for Schools Act of 2014, promoting energy retrofits for schools, and served as a Vice Chair of the Sustainable Energy & Environment Coalition.

• Gun Policy: Early in his Congressional career, he co-sponsored gun control legislation and opposed legal immunity protections for gun manufacturers. In 2022, he supported the Assault Weapons Ban of 2022.

• Immigration & Civil Rights: Cartwright supported protections for Dreamers, opposed broad cuts in federal funding for sanctuary cities, and cast votes reflecting pro-immigration positions.

• Foreign Policy: He backed U.S. assistance to Ukraine during the Russian invasion and voted against scaling back certain munitions aid.

Cartwright often aligned with the Democratic Party’s mainstream and progressive caucuses, while at times positioning himself as a representative sensitive to his district’s more moderate or mixed electorate.

Personal Life

Cartwright met his wife, Marion K. Munley, while studying at the London School of Economics. They married on August 10, 1985. two sons.

They resided in Moosic, Pennsylvania during his time in Congress. Roman Catholic.

Legacy and Influence

Matt Cartwright’s congressional career was marked by steady advocacy for progressive priorities while also paying attention to his district’s specific needs. His focus on infrastructure (especially rail connectivity), environmental health justice, and federal support for local institutions like schools gave him distinct local relevance.

Though his defeat in 2024 brought his House service to a close, Cartwright’s tenure illustrates how a relatively modest-profile legislator can influence legislation through committee work, constituent focus, and incremental policy wins.

He also serves (post-Congress) on the board of the Pennsylvania Northeast Regional Railroad Authority, with a term running through 2029, which positions him in continued involvement in regional transit issues.