Matthew Okerson is a deeply rooted conservative, U.S. Army Veteran, and committed public servant with decades of experience in national defense and cybersecurity, and a strong record of grassroots engagement.
Raised in a working-class family, Matthew wasn’t born into privilege — he was built by faith, grit, and hard work. From a young age, he learned that nothing is given, everything is earned. His family faced tough times, but through the grace of God and the strength of their local church, they always had what they needed. Those early struggles didn’t hold him back — they forged his values: self-reliance, service over self, and an unshakable commitment to putting people first.
“I grew up in poverty, not privilege—but that struggle taught me faith, resilience, and the power of community.”
At 18, Matthew answered the call to serve his country, enlisting in the U.S. Army as a communications specialist. His leadership and performance under pressure earned him multiple commendations — including the Bronze Star Medal and the Army Commendation Medal.
Following his military service, Matthew continued supporting American forces for over a decade in Iraq and Afghanistan, playing a critical role in satellite communications, intelligence, and embassy security — including work embedded with U.S. Special Forces. For his dedication, he received the Army Achievement Medal for Civilian Service.
“The military took me around the world. I’ve seen places where democracy never took root, and others where freedom is just a dream. I’ve seen what happens when government fails its people — and just how fragile freedom really is.”
Today, Matthew serves as a Cybersecurity Engineer with the Defense Health Agency in San Antonio, protecting the systems that safeguard military and public health. He and his wife also own and operate a small business in New Braunfels — a reflection of his belief that small businesses are the backbone of America and must be protected from federal overreach.
Deeply involved in civic life, Matthew has volunteered as an election clerk and served as a delegate at the Precinct, County, and State Republican Conventions. He also served as Campaign and Legislative Vice President for the New Braunfels Conservatives, continuing his commitment to conservative, grassroots leadership.
"We need leadership that, with every vote, asks a simple question: How can I make life better for the majority of Americans?"
In his free time, Matthew enjoys spending time with his wife Frances and their 15-year-old son, as well as riding motorcycles, going to the gun range, and gardening.
With a lifetime of service — on the battlefield, in national defense, and right here in one of Texas’s most patriotic districts — Matthew Okerson is ready to bring principled, proven leadership to Washington. He’s running for Congress to defend the Constitution, secure the border, protect our freedoms, and return this seat to We the People — where it belongs.
"It’s time to think differently. It’s time to elect our own — our neighbors, the people who know our struggles because they live them every day."