Matthew Filosa
From Ballotpedia
This page was current at the end of the individual's last campaign covered by Ballotpedia. Please contact us with any updates.
Matthew Filosa (Democratic Party) ran for election to the New Jersey General Assembly to represent District 30. He lost in the general election on November 2, 2021.
Filosa completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2021. Click here to read the survey answers.
Elections
2021
See also: New Jersey General Assembly elections, 2021
General election
General election for New Jersey General Assembly District 30 (2 seats)
Incumbent Sean Kean and incumbent Edward Thomson III defeated Stephen Dobbins and Matthew Filosa in the general election for New Jersey General Assembly District 30 on November 2, 2021.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Sean Kean (R) | 36.8 | 54,541 |
| ✔ |  | Edward Thomson III (R) | 35.5 | 52,678 |
 | Stephen Dobbins (D)  | 14.0 | 20,800 | |
 | Matthew Filosa (D) | 13.7 | 20,366 | |
| Total votes: 148,385 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for New Jersey General Assembly District 30 (2 seats)
Matthew Filosa and Stephen Dobbins advanced from the Democratic primary for New Jersey General Assembly District 30 on June 8, 2021.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Matthew Filosa | 50.2 | 4,074 |
| ✔ | | Stephen Dobbins | 49.8 | 4,043 |
| Total votes: 8,117 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Republican primary election
Republican primary for New Jersey General Assembly District 30 (2 seats)
Incumbent Sean Kean and incumbent Edward Thomson III defeated Alter Eliezer Richter in the Republican primary for New Jersey General Assembly District 30 on June 8, 2021.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Sean Kean | 46.6 | 9,555 |
| ✔ | | Edward Thomson III | 45.2 | 9,270 |
| Alter Eliezer Richter | 8.1 | 1,667 | ||
| Total votes: 20,492 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Campaign themes
2021
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Matthew Filosa completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2021. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Filosa's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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I am a junior political science major attending Monmouth University in New Jersey. I am an Eagle Scout, former JROTC cadet and former debate coach as well as a member of the school's debate team. Recently, I was appointed to my town's Farmer Advisory Committee. I have been drawn to public service because of the positive impact it can have on other people as well as being passionate about issues that are important. I am one of if not the youngest person running for this level of office in New Jersey which is an opportunity for newer and younger people to be involved in the political process. The future is here and it needs a new generation of leaders.
Economic Development
- Jobs
- Education
I am passionate about many levels of public policy such as protecting the environment and combatting climate change, promoting labor rights and protections, promoting local commerce, campaign finance reform, improving education, ensuring access to healthcare, and protecting civil rights and liberties.
I have many role models but one that often comes to mind is Major Richard Winters (Ret.) of the 101st Airbone Division during World War II. He is best known from "Band of Brothers". I look up to him because his leadership is the perfect example of how one should lead people during challenging moments. He is a man who held himself to a high standard of excellence and elevated those around them to do their best. Leadership is the pinnacle of everything and Major Winters lived by a code of integrity and character in leading his men to war.
My political philosophy can be be understood in a mix of Leviathan by Thomas Hobbes and Second Treaties of Government by John Locke. The miniseries John Adams and the play Hamilton as well can be guides to understanding me. Also, the film Lincoln starring Daniel Day-Lewis resonates with me. From a leadership perspective the miniseries Band of Brothers which takes place during World War II has had an impact on me.
Understanding leadership is essential, being empathetic, intelligent, passionate and composed are important characteristics to have. This is not the case often but it would be nice to have integrity and honesty. Strive to find a moral true north and do not compromise one's morals for self gain.
I strive to have integrity and lead others from the front. I am honest, try to be a good person, intelligent and passionate about issues.
Someone elected to office must be a leader who their constituents can rely on for help. But also, a legislature must not be a lackey to the people. Sometimes a legislature must educate constituents if they are misguided on an issue. At the end of the day a legislature should just strive to make the place they land by which they pass laws in a better place.
The legacy I want to leave behind is that did I leave a positive impact in someone else's life and was I a man of integrity and good character that people can look up to.
The first big historical event I remember was the 2008 election of Barack Obama to the Presidency when I was eight years old.
The very first job I held was being a food delivery driver which I still am today,
My favorite book I read was How to Make Your Bed by Admiral William McRaven. It is a very short and simple book but it has so many lessons on how to tackle the challenges of life and stay disciplined. Because of that book, I make my bed every single day.
I would be Captain America. His leadership, integrity and discipline is something I am inspired by. He is a role model on how leaders should act.
Another character I admire is Jay Gatsby, his gentleman manner and style is so cool. The class he had amazes me.
Another character I admire is Jay Gatsby, his gentleman manner and style is so cool. The class he had amazes me.
The last song that got stuck in my head was Hometown from Twenty One Pilots
In my life, I often struggle with fitting in. Often I find myself an outlier in how I am which is not necessarily a bad thing but it can hurt with building relationships with people because I think differently than many.
A unicameral state legislature has benefits and drawbacks that should be considered. The benefits of a unicameral legislature is that there is less time on debating legislation as there are less eyes that need to vote on it. Also, it prevents deadlock in the legislature because one party has the majority and does not need to consider the votes of a higher chamber. And it gives more people the opportunity to be involved in the democratic process as there are potentially more seats. The drawback to a unicameral legislature is that there are less checks and balances on the chamber's power, there is no higher chamber of legislatures to filter any "flaws" in legislation.
Experience always helps with anything one days that is relevant to the field their in. But, in politics one needs to start somewhere so having previous experience might not always be possible. Also, the more people involved in government, the better. We should not be cutting off potentially good candidates just because they did not hold a previous office before. Being a state legislator is different than being President of the United States.
Politics is a people business. That means it is crucial to building relationships with people including other legislators so that meaning legislation can be made.
Redistricting must be nonpartisan. Both parties gerrymander and it is quite sad. There should be an independent commission that handles redistricting in a way that does not give benefit to either party.
I would be glad to be on any committee but I am interested in the Homeland Security Committee, Education, Labor, Oversight, Law and Public Safety t and Tourism and Gaming committee
In my state no. But I do have respect for the late Senator John McCain for his independent and maverick tendencies as a Senator. The same goes for former Congressman Joe Walsh (IL) who later admitted his mistakes but then came to be someone who would rather give up power and influence in the same of maintaining moral integrity. And someone who is not afraid to speak out when something is wrong.
I am interested in running for any political office in the future if the opportunity arose as way to give back and help other people.
I have not heard many stories yet but it is an honor and privilege that people believe in me and thank me for running.
"Why did the chicken cross the road ?" " To get from the left to the right" - Bill Murray in Stripes.
I am a proponent of executive power and believe that executives should have emergency powers. Though, the legislature can act as a check on that power if it is being abused.
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.
See also
2021 Elections
External links
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Candidate New Jersey General Assembly District 30 |
Personal |
Footnotes
Current members of the New Jersey General Assembly
Leadership
Representatives
Democratic Party (52)
Republican Party (28)
