Senator Matt Boehnke (pronounced Bank-ee) represents Washington’s 8th Legislative District in the State Senate, after previously serving two terms in the House of Representatives. A lifelong Tri-Citian, Army veteran, and cybersecurity professor, Matt is focused on strengthening public safety, expanding economic opportunity, and supporting innovation across energy and technology.

In the Senate, he serves as the ranking member of the Environment, Energy and Technology Committee and is also a member of the Higher Education and Workforce Development, Ways and Means, and Rules committees. He has become a leading voice on issues such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, advanced nuclear energy, and data center policy — helping shape conversations in Washington and across the country.

Matt has worked across party lines to pass legislation that improves student safety, expands access to higher education, strengthens mental health services, supports workforce development, and promotes reliable energy solutions.

Raised in Kennewick, Matt served more than 21 years in the U.S. Army aviation branch, retiring as a lieutenant colonel. He now teaches as a tenured assistant professor in the cybersecurity division at Columbia Basin College.

Matt and his wife, Dawn, have been married for more than 35 years. They are proud parents of two sons and continue to call the Tri-Cities home.