Matthew Feehan

Matthew Feehan (Libertarian Party) ran for election to the North Carolina House of Representatives to represent District 15. He lost in the general election on November 5, 2024. Feehan unofficially withdrew from the race but appeared on the general election ballot on November 5, 2024.

Feehan completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2023. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Matthew Feehan served in the U.S. Army National Guard from 2009 to 2021. Feehan earned a bachelor's degree from Fisher College in 2013 and a law degree from the Western New England University School of Law in 2019. His career experience includes working as a law clerk for the U.S. Department of Justice Executive Office for Immigration Review (DOJ EOIR) and as a consultant. As of 2024, Feehan was affiliated with the Federalist Society.^[1]

Elections

2024

General election

General election for North Carolina House of Representatives District 15

Incumbent Phillip Shepard defeated Christopher Schulte and Matthew Feehan (Unofficially withdrew) in the general election for North Carolina House of Representatives District 15 on November 5, 2024.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Phillip Shepard (R)	63.8	24,184
	Christopher Schulte (D)	31.2	11,799
	Matthew Feehan (L) (Unofficially withdrew)	5.0	1,894

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 37,877
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

The Democratic primary election was canceled. Christopher Schulte advanced from the Democratic primary for North Carolina House of Representatives District 15.

Republican primary election

The Republican primary election was canceled. Incumbent Phillip Shepard advanced from the Republican primary for North Carolina House of Representatives District 15.

Libertarian primary election

The Libertarian primary election was canceled. Matthew Feehan advanced from the Libertarian primary for North Carolina House of Representatives District 15.

Campaign finance

Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Feehan in this election.

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

Matthew Feehan completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2023. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Feehan's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Matthew Feehan, J.D., is a graduate of Western New England University School of Law, preparing for the North Carolina Bar Exam in February 2024. A dedicated family man, he is married with four children. His extensive 12-year military career is marked by service in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve, Massachusetts and California Army National Guard, and the U.S. Army Reserve. Commissioned through Boston University's ROTC as an infantry officer in 2013, his service includes an overseas combat deployment and significant roles in domestic operations, notably as the Plans Officer and Law Clerk for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers South Pacific Border District during the U.S./Mexico Border Wall project. His career, both military and legal, is distinguished by leadership, commitment, and honor. Balancing professional achievements with a bustling family life, Matthew exemplifies the ideals of service, dedication, and personal responsibility. As he transitions from a commendable military career to practicing law, his varied experiences and roles underscore his adaptability and commitment to serving his country and community.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

National Defense & Military Valor: As a staunch advocate for our military and veterans, especially those of you from Camp Lejeune, I'm committed to a defense policy that keeps America safe and respects the valor of our service members. I believe in strong defense without needless foreign entanglements, ensuring that we honor our troops' sacrifices by engaging in conflicts only when absolutely necessary.
Economic Empowerment & Fiscal Prudence: I promise to fight for reduced government wastefulness and lower taxes, boosting economic growth and prosperity for all. It's time our government tightens its belt, just as we all do, ensuring your hard-earned money is spent wisely. I'm dedicated to fostering an environment where both our respected seniors and ambitious younger generation can thrive economically.
Liberty & Personal Responsibility: I hold dear our individual liberties and believe in minimizing government interference in our personal lives. This means upholding our constitutional rights like religious freedom, bearing arms, and free expression. It's about respecting each individual's choices and responsibilities, whether that's in how you run your business, practice your faith, or live your life.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

As your representative, I vow to uphold limited government, ensuring personal freedoms and respect for private ownership are paramount. I staunchly support 'innocent until proven guilty' and advocate for police reform that safeguards community and individual rights. Expanding firearms rights is crucial, as is protecting every law-abiding citizen's right to self-defense.

I'm committed to promoting effective rehabilitation and reentry for parolees, focusing on integration over punishment. It's essential to minimize state interference in personal decisions, honoring diversity in beliefs and lifestyles. I respect the sanctity of personal and private property, emphasizing that ownership rights are a cornerstone of our freedom.

Government should never be a hammer to suppress political opponents, different ideologies, or personal choices. I stand for a government that respects all, never overreaching into the lives of its people but serving to protect their rights and property. Unity, respect, and freedom are the pillars of my campaign, guiding my commitment to serve as your voice, ensuring the state is a protector, not a wielder of undue power.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My first job was teaching sailing, cleaning boats, and cleaning docks at a boat club. I started when I was 14 and worked my way up to 18, when I went off to college.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

The ideal relationship between the governor and the state legislature should be one of respectful collaboration and balanced power. As representatives of the people, both the governor and the legislature have a duty to work together to address the needs and rights of the citizens while ensuring that government remains limited and efficient. The governor should serve as a visionary leader and a vigilant executor of laws, ensuring that the policies passed by the legislature align with constitutional liberties and the state's best interests. Simultaneously, the legislature must act as a deliberative body that represents the diverse views of the constituents, creating laws that reflect our shared values of freedom, responsibility, and prosperity.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Economic Growth and Job Creation: While North Carolina has seen growth, ensuring this continues in a way that benefits all residents is crucial. The challenge lies in fostering an environment that encourages entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainable development while reducing regulatory burdens that hinder small businesses and job creation.

Education Reform: Improving the quality and accessibility of education, from K-12 to higher education, is vital for the state's future. The challenge is to ensure that educational opportunities are diverse, affordable, and of high quality, preparing the next generation for the evolving job market while respecting parents' rights to choose the best educational path for their children.

Healthcare Access and Affordability: Ensuring that all North Carolinians have access to affordable, quality healthcare remains a significant challenge. The focus should be on promoting healthcare innovation, increasing transparency, and reducing regulatory barriers that limit patient choice and increase costs.

Infrastructure and Transportation: As the state continues to grow, upgrading and maintaining infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and public transportation, is essential. The challenge is to do so in a cost-effective manner that minimizes government overreach and maximizes utility and longevity.

Protecting Individual Liberties and Rights: A continuous challenge is safeguarding the individual liberties against overreaching government policies, particularly in areas like property rights, gun ownership, and personal freedoms. Ensuring that the state government respects and upholds constitutional rights without compromise is paramount.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

While previous experience in government or politics can provide valuable insights and understanding of the legislative process, it is not the only path to effective leadership or meaningful contribution in the state legislature. As a military veteran, I bring a different kind of experience that includes strategic decision-making, leadership under pressure, and a deep commitment to service and duty. These skills are directly transferable to legislative responsibilities, offering a fresh perspective and a focus on results-driven, principled leadership.

I believe that a diverse legislature, comprising members with a variety of backgrounds — including business, education, military, and more — enriches the decision-making process and leads to more comprehensive, well-rounded policies. It ensures that the legislature reflects the people it serves, not just a political elite. My candidacy represents an opportunity to bring a new voice and a different kind of experience to the table, one that is grounded in a commitment to individual liberties, fiscal responsibility, and the well-being of all citizens.

Therefore, while previous political experience can be beneficial, it is the dedication to serving constituents, the ability to make informed and ethical decisions, and the commitment to upholding the principles of freedom and justice that truly make a state legislator effective. I am committed to bringing these qualities to the office, along with a fresh perspective that seeks to challenge the status quo and promote policies that benefit all North Carolinians.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Absolutely, building relationships with other legislators is not just beneficial; it's essential for effective governance. Despite this being my first political run, my experiences have taught me the importance of teamwork, communication, and strategic alliances. In the military, cooperation and understanding among diverse individuals are critical to mission success. Similarly, in the legislature, building strong, respectful relationships with colleagues, even those with differing views, is crucial for navigating the complexities of lawmaking and governance.

Relationships based on mutual respect and open communication can foster bipartisanship and lead to more innovative and comprehensive solutions. They enable legislators to understand different viewpoints, negotiate compromises, and advance legislation that benefits all citizens. Building these connections doesn't mean compromising on core principles; rather, it's about finding common ground and working collaboratively towards shared goals.

Moreover, as a Libertarian, I am positioned uniquely to act as a bridge between parties, advocating for policies that emphasize freedom, responsibility, and limited government. By forming relationships with other legislators, I can more effectively promote and negotiate the values and policies that are important to me and my constituents, ensuring that every voice is heard and considered in the legislative process.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

As a Libertarian and someone with a distinct set of experiences and values, I would draw inspiration from a few notable figures rather than modeling myself after a single legislator. I admire the principled stance of individuals like Senator Rand Paul and former Congressman Ron Paul, both of whom have championed individual liberties, fiscal responsibility, and a non-interventionist foreign policy while working within the system to effect change.

Their dedication to the Constitution and their willingness to stand firm on issues, even when it goes against the prevailing winds of their party or public opinion, resonate with my commitment to principle over politics. However, I also recognize the unique context of my service and the specific needs and values of North Carolina. While I may draw inspiration from these figures for their libertarian values and legislative style, I intend to forge my own path that considers the diverse perspectives and needs of my constituents, combining a respect for libertarian principles with a pragmatic approach to governance and problem-solving. My goal is to be a representative who listens, learns, and leads with integrity, honoring the trust placed in me by the people of North Carolina.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

While I am deeply honored and focused on my current candidacy for state legislature, my commitment is to serve the people of North Carolina to the best of my ability in this role. I believe that effective leadership requires a concentrated effort and dedication to the tasks at hand. My priority is to address the challenges facing our state and implement solutions that reflect our shared values of liberty, justice, and prosperity.

Looking ahead, I am not closing any doors to future opportunities that may allow me to serve our community and principles in a broader capacity. However, any consideration for different political offices will be guided by the needs and wishes of my constituents, and the belief in where I can be most effective in promoting positive change. For now, my entire focus is on being an effective, principled, and responsive state legislator, dedicated to the ideals of limited government, individual freedom, and personal responsibility. I am here to serve, listen, and lead with integrity, and any future decisions will be made with the utmost consideration for the welfare and voice of the people of North Carolina.

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

Absolutely, one particularly touching story I've encountered involves the Veterans Business Collective in our community. This is a small, yet highly impactful group of experienced professionals who have come together with a noble purpose: to inspire and support transitioning service members as well as veterans looking to navigate the complexities of business practices. Their dedication not only aids individuals in their professional journeys but also strengthens the entire community by fostering an environment of growth, mentorship, and mutual support.

Given our proximity to Camp Lejeune, a hub of military activity and federal economic influence, the work of the Veterans Business Collective is both crucial and inspiring. It's a vivid example of the strength and resilience found within the veteran community and a testament to the power of collaboration and shared experience. This initiative not only helps individuals succeed in their entrepreneurial endeavors but also contributes to the broader economic health and vibrancy of our area.

Hearing about the positive, tangible impact this collective has had on the lives of veterans and their families has deeply moved me. It reinforces my commitment to supporting veteran affairs, economic development, and community-building initiatives. Their story is a powerful reminder of the importance of service, not just in uniform but in all aspects of life, and it motivates me to ensure that our state's policies actively support and uplift such commendable efforts.

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

The legislature should indeed have a role in overseeing or granting the use of emergency powers, but with stringent checks and balances in place. While I recognize the need for a government to act swiftly and decisively in times of genuine crisis, the overarching principle must always be the safeguarding of individual liberties and the prevention of undue government overreach. The use of emergency powers, therefore, should be considered only in the rarest and most unequivocal situations, where there is a clear and immediate threat to public safety that cannot be addressed through regular legislative processes.

The COVID-19 pandemic, while a significant health crisis, highlighted the potential for overextension of government authority under the guise of emergency powers. It's crucial that any emergency response is proportionate, transparent, and accountable, with a clear pathway to the restoration of normal legislative order. This ensures that the temporary measures don't become a permanent fixture in our lives, infringing upon freedoms and rights.

As such, while I acknowledge that there may be extraordinary circumstances that necessitate temporary and specific emergency measures, any decision to invoke such powers should be subject to rigorous legislative scrutiny, with an emphasis on protecting constitutional rights and maintaining the smallest possible footprint of government intervention. The goal is always to return to the principle of limited government and maximum individual freedom at the earliest opportunity.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Compromise is often a necessary aspect of policymaking in a diverse society. While I hold firm to my principles of limited government, individual freedom, and personal responsibility, I understand that effective governance requires working with others who may have different views. My military and legal background has taught me the importance of teamwork and strategic negotiation. However, any compromise must not betray the core values of liberty, property rights, and respect for individual choices. It's about finding common ground to advance the greater good while steadfastly protecting the rights and freedoms of all citizens. In the end, I seek solutions that enhance freedom, respect personal and economic rights, and reduce unnecessary government interference, aiming for policies that serve the best interest of the community while safeguarding the principles that define the Libertarian stance.

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

Decriminalizing Marijuana

What committees interest you?

In considering my first term in office, several committees align closely with my values and areas where I believe I can make a significant impact. The Judiciary Committee interests me greatly due to my staunch commitment to individual liberties and justice. I aim to contribute to discussions on criminal justice reform and civil liberties, ensuring our legal system reflects the principles of fairness and respect for individual rights.

Given my military background, the Veterans Affairs and Military Committee is another area where I feel I can make a substantial contribution. I understand the unique challenges faced by our service members and veterans, and I want to ensure they receive the support and recognition they deserve.

Fiscal responsibility is a core aspect of my platform, making the Finance Committee a natural fit. Here, I would focus on advocating for responsible budgeting, reduced wasteful spending, and tax policies that promote economic freedom and prosperity.

The Public Safety Committee is also of interest to me, especially as it pertains to police reform and ensuring the rights of law-abiding citizens to own firearms. It's vital that our public safety policies respect individual freedoms while effectively keeping our communities safe.

Lastly, the Health and Human Services Committee would allow me to address crucial issues like healthcare accessibility and affordability, as well as advocate for effective rehabilitation and reentry programs for parolees. I believe in promoting policies that support the well-being and dignity of all North Carolinians.

These committees reflect where I believe I can best serve my constituents and the state, bringing my unique perspective and dedication to each discussion and decision.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

Campaign finance summary

Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.

Matthew Feehan campaign contribution history
Year	Office	Status	Contributions	Expenditures
2024*	North Carolina House of Representatives District 15	Lost general	$566	$566
Grand total			$566	$566
Sources: OpenSecrets, Federal Elections Commission *This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
* Data from this year may not be complete

External links

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Candidate

North Carolina House of Representatives District 15

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Footnotes

↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on December 24, 2023

[show]

Current members of the North Carolina House of Representatives

Leadership

Speaker of the House:Destin Hall

Majority Leader:Brenden Jones

Minority Leader:Robert Reives

Representatives

District 1

Ed Goodwin (R)

District 2

Ray Jeffers (D)

District 3

Steve Tyson (R)

District 4

James Dixon (R)

District 5

Bill Ward (R)

District 6

Joe Pike (R)

District 7

Matthew Winslow (R)

District 8

Gloristine Brown (D)

District 9

Timothy Reeder (R)

District 10

John Bell (R)

District 11

Allison Dahle (D)

District 12

Chris Humphrey (R)

District 13

Celeste Cairns (R)

District 14

Wyatt Gable (R)

District 15

Phillip Shepard (R)

District 16

Carson Smith (R)

District 17

Frank Iler (R)

District 18

Deb Butler (D)

District 19

Charles Miller (R)

District 20

Ted Davis (R)

District 21

Ya Liu (D)

District 22

William Brisson (R)

District 23

Shelly Willingham (D)

District 24

Dante Pittman (D)

District 25

Allen Chesser (R)

District 26

Donna White (R)

District 27

Rodney Pierce (D)

District 28

Larry Strickland (R)

District 29

Vernetta Alston (D)

District 30

Marcia Morey (D)

District 31

Zack Hawkins (D)

District 32

Bryan Cohn (D)

District 33

Monika Johnson-Hostler (D)

District 34

Tim Longest (D)

District 35

Mike Schietzelt (R)

District 36

Julie von Haefen (D)

District 37

Erin Paré (R)

District 38

Abraham Jones (D)

District 39

James Roberson (D)

District 40

Phil Rubin (D)

District 41

Maria Cervania (D)

District 42

Mike Colvin (D)

District 43

Diane Wheatley (R)

District 44

Charles Smith (D)

District 45

Frances Jackson (D)

District 46

Brenden Jones (R)

District 47

Jarrod Lowery (R)

District 48

Garland Pierce (D)

District 49

Cynthia Ball (D)

District 50

Renée Price (D)

District 51

John Sauls (R)

District 52

Ben Moss (R)

District 53

Howard Penny (R)

District 54

Robert Reives (D)

District 55

Mark Brody (R)

District 56

Allen Buansi (D)

District 57

Tracy Clark (D)

District 58

Amos Quick (D)

District 59

Alan Branson (R)

District 60

Cecil Brockman (D)

District 61

Mary Harrison (D)

District 62

John Blust (R)

District 63

Stephen Ross (R)

District 64

Dennis Riddell (R)

District 65

A. Reece Pyrtle (R)

District 66

Sarah Crawford (D)

District 67

Cody Huneycutt (R)

District 68

David Willis (R)

District 69

Dean Arp (R)

District 70

Brian Biggs (R)

District 71

Kanika Brown (D)

District 72

Amber Baker (D)

District 73

Jonathan Almond (R)

District 74

Jeff Zenger (R)

District 75

Donny Lambeth (R)

District 76

Harry Warren (R)

District 77

Julia Howard (R)

District 78

Neal Jackson (R)

District 79

Keith Kidwell (R)

District 80

Sam Watford (R)

District 81

Larry Potts (R)

District 82

Brian Echevarria (R)

District 83

Grant Campbell (R)

District 84

Jeffrey McNeely (R)

District 85

Dudley Greene (R)

District 86

Hugh Blackwell (R)

District 87

Destin Hall (R)

District 88

Mary Belk (D)

District 89

Mitchell Setzer (R)

District 90

Sarah Stevens (R)

District 91

Kyle Hall (R)

District 92

Terry Brown (D)

District 93

Ray Pickett (R)

District 94

Blair Eddins (R)

District 95

Todd Carver (R)

District 96

Jay Adams (R)

District 97

Heather Rhyne (R)

District 98

Beth Gardner Helfrich (D)

District 99

Nasif Majeed (D)

District 100

Julia Greenfield (D)

District 101

Carolyn Logan (D)

District 102

Becky Carney (D)

District 103

Laura Budd (D)

District 104

Brandon Lofton (D)

District 105

Tricia Cotham (R)

District 106

Carla Cunningham (D)

District 107

Aisha Dew (D)

District 108

John Torbett (R)

District 109

Donnie Loftis (R)

District 110

Kelly Hastings (R)

District 111

Paul Scott (R)

District 112

Jordan Lopez (D)

District 113

Jake Johnson (R)

District 114

Eric Ager (D)

District 115

Lindsey Prather (D)

District 116

Brian Turner (D)

District 117

Jennifer Balkcom (R)

District 118

Mark Pless (R)

District 119

Mike Clampitt (R)

District 120

Karl Gillespie (R)

Republican Party (71)

Democratic Party (49)

[1] Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on December 24, 2023

[1]

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Matthew Feehan

Contents

Biography

Elections

2024

General election

General election for North Carolina House of Representatives District 15

Democratic primary election

Republican primary election

Libertarian primary election

Campaign finance

Endorsements

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

Campaign finance summary

See also

External links

Footnotes

Information about voting

2025 Elections

2026 Elections

2024 Election analysis

Trending

Public Policy

Information for candidates

Get Engaged

Services

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