Matthew Wilson (politician)
Walter Matthew Wilson is an American politician and lawyer from Brookhaven, Georgia and is the Georgia State Representative for the 80th district. A member of the Democratic Party, he defeated Republican incumbent Meagan Hanson in November 2018. Wilson is only the second openly gay man to be elected to the Georgia legislature.Early life and education
Wilson and his twin sister were raised in Griffin, Georgia. He holds a Bachelor's degree and a Juris Doctor from University of Georgia.
Following graduation from college, he participated in the national Teach For America program, teaching sixth-grade math and science at a low-income, inner-city school in Houston, Texas.
Wilson is a partner with the law firm of Akin & Tate, where he is a general practice litigator.Political career
Wilson had his first political experience working as a staffer on the 2010 gubernatorial campaign of former Georgia Governor Roy Barnes. He also served briefly as the legislative director for the State Bar of Georgia.
He was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives in 2018 after defeating Republican incumbent Meagan Hanson. Sean Meloy of LGBTQ Victory Fund described District 80 as "one of the most competitive in the entire state." President Barack Obama endorsed Wilson.Electoral history
2018
