Matt Claman

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.

Early life and education

Claman 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. 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.

Career

Claman 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. As Acting Mayor during the 2008 financial crisis, he led efforts to reduce the municipal budget by $20 million, approximately 5%, and negotiated concessions to achieve a balanced budget.

Claman was elected to the Alaska House of Representatives in 2014, and joined the Democratic minority. 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.

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. 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.

In 2022, Claman was elected to the Alaska Senate, defeating Republican incumbent Mia Costello.

Personal life

Claman 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.

Electoral history

Nonpartisan primary

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
		Matt Claman (incumbent)		60.1
		Thomas McKay (withdrew)		20.7
		Liz Vazquez		19.2
Total votes				100.0

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2024 Alaska Senate General election

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
		Matt Claman (incumbent)		55.24
		Liz Vazquez		44.47
style="color:inherit;background-color: Template:Party color; width: 2px;" |	Write-in		53	0.3
Total votes				100.0
	hold