Carmen Goodman
Matt Innis is shaking up the political establishment as an outsider Republican candidate in upstate New York. After an early career as a military officer and small business owner, Innis jumped into politics with an unsuccessful bid for Congress in 2014. Now he’s gearing up for another run at the House of Representatives in 2018, hoping his blunt straight talk will appeal to voters tired of entrenched incumbents.
Background and Early Life
Matthew “Matt” Innis was born in 1966 in Albany, New York. His family lived in various places around the country and overseas during his childhood due to his father’s career in the Air Force. After graduating from high school in Biloxi, Mississippi, Innis attended the University of Mississippi. He graduated in 1989 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology.
Education
After completing his undergraduate studies, Innis went on to earn a Master of Education degree from Troy State University in Alabama in 1992. His graduate studies focused on counseling psychology.
Early Career
Following his education, Innis served for over a decade as an officer in the U.S. Army. He saw active duty in Somalia and Haiti, eventually rising to the rank of Major. After leaving the military, Innis started a small business developing mobile apps and digital educational tools.
Political Career
Local Politics and City Council
Matt Innis first dipped his toe into elected politics in 2009 when he ran successfully for Troy City Council in upstate New York. As a Republican councilman, Innis focused on issues like reducing regulations and promoting business development. He served one four-year term before setting his sights on higher office.
Running for Congress
In 2014, Innis launched a Republican primary challenge against incumbent Democrat Bill Owens in New York’s 21st congressional district. Despite his underdog status, Innis put up a spirited fight. He ran on a conservative platform of reducing federal spending, repealing Obamacare, and instituting term limits. Innis lost the GOP nomination to Elise Stefanik, who went on to win the general election.
Views and Policy Positions
As a candidate, Matt Innis described himself as a “bold conservative.” He supports gun rights, wants to repeal the Affordable Care Act, and favors major reductions in government regulations and spending. Innis also advocates instituting congressional term limits to reduce insider influence and change the D.C. culture. His blunt, direct manner appeals to populist voters dissatisfied with politics as usual.
Personal Life
Family and Interests
Matt Innis currently lives in Troy, New York with his wife Leah and their four children. When he’s not busy with political activities, Innis enjoys hunting, fishing, and helping out on the family farm. He remains actively involved in veterans issues and supports several local charities for disabled veterans.
Conclusion
Matt Innis brings a unique background and worldview to the political arena. His military service and business experience shaped his fiscally conservative approach and outsider perspective. While unsuccessful in his first congressional bid, Innis gained valuable campaign experience. Now he is gearing up for another run at the House of Representatives in 2018. His blunt talk and anti-establishment message could resonate with many disaffected voters in his upstate New York district. Regardless of the outcome, Matt Innis will likely remain a voice to be reckoned with in Empire State politics.
FAQs
Q: What is Matt Innis currently running for?
A: Innis is seeking the Republican nomination in 2018 for New York’s 21st congressional district House seat. The district covers most of the North Country in upstate New York.
Q: What was Innis’ military background?
A: Matt Innis served over a decade in the U.S. Army, achieving the rank of Major. He was active duty during deployments in Somalia and Haiti in the 1990s.
Q: Where does Innis stand on issues like taxes and healthcare?
A: As a self-described “bold conservative,” Innis wants to repeal the Affordable Care Act, reduce federal regulations and spending, and institute congressional term limits.
Q: Who defeated Innis during his first run for Congress in 2014?
A: Innis lost the 2014 GOP primary for NY-21 to Elise Stefanik, who went on to win the general election against the Democratic incumbent.
Q: What kind of experience did Innis have before entering politics?
A: Before elected office, Innis served in the Army for over a decade. He also started his own business developing mobile apps and digital education products after leaving the military.
