Matthew Walter

For over 25 years, Matt Walter has broken records and won big battles with ingenuity and a smile. He’s successfully created and implemented groundbreaking programs to win elections across all 50 states along with championing diversity and innovation in state level politics and government. Matt has a well-known, industry wide reputation for results, creativity and integrity.

As founder of both MCW Strategies and Hedge Row Analysis, Matt helps innovators, disruptors and investors align their business goals with their government engagement portfolio. His client’s range from startups to major global companies in banking and investment, health care, analytics software, energy, and government technology.

Matt problem solves with companies to bring their products and services through complex state and local level government regulatory processes. He helps start-ups create state-specific data-centered projections for their business growth. And, Matt knows someone, everywhere.

Previously Matt was President of the Republican State Leadership Committee (RSLC). Under his leadership, they raised and invested a record $125 million for state-level races during his tenure election cycle. As president, he oversaw the successful 2013-2018 election cycles culminating in Republicans capturing an all-time record 69 of 99 state legislative chambers, 25 lieutenant governor seats and 29 secretaries of state offices.

He also served as the Executive Director of the State Government Leadership Foundation (SGLF) which raised and spent a record of nearly $20 million during his tenure.  He took the Foundation to new heights by organizing state level elect delegations to Israel and Mexico, conducting academic studies, engaging in Supreme Court Cases and developing innovative solutions for states across the country.

Matt launched the Future Majority Project and Right Women, Right Now that identified and supported thousands of new candidates aiding 500 new women and 120 new diverse candidates to run and win elections. He has also served as RSLC Managing Director of Communications and Public Affairs, and Political Director.

Matt has been the Lazio for NY Governor Campaign Manager, New York State Republican Party Executive Director, Rensselaer County District Attorney Public Information Officer, New York State Senate Communications Officer and has trained and advised thousands of campaigns. Matt’s comments have been featured in media outlets from Alaska to Florida, including the Wall Street Journal, Economist, AP, NPR, New York Times, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times and countless local outlets. His commitment to an independent and vibrant fourth estate was routed in his time as assistant producer for WMHT public television’s “Inside Albany” and as researcher at the Syracuse Newspapers.

Matt has earned an MBA from the Kenan-Flagler Business School at UNC Chapel Hill and is a graduate of SUNY Geneseo (dual major: Political Science and French). He earned a Masters in American Political History focused on US third party movements from the College of Saint Rose.