Managing Our Land for the Public Good
The State Land Office manages over 9 million surface and 13 million mineral acres across every county in the state and raises more than $2 billion annually, over 95% of which supports New Mexico's public education system through the Land Grant Permanent Fund. The mission of the NM State Land Office is to use state trust land to raise revenue for New Mexico's public schools, universities, and hospitals, as well as other public institutions. Revenue is raised through lease agreements for oil, gas, and mineral exploration, business and commercial operations including renewable energy projects, agriculture and livestock grazing, and outdoor recreation.
As a six-term state legislator , Matthew led the charge to increase outdated oil and gas royalty rates to make sure oil and gas companies are paying their fair share, delivering millions more to classrooms across New Mexico. He also led efforts to reform the NM Game Commission into a modern wildlife management agency. He's long fought to use the Land Grant Permanent Fund for early childhood education, and he's been a leader in transparency and ethics reform. He’s committed to sustainable land management and tackling climate change head-on to protect New Mexico’s future.
Matthew has proudly called New Mexico home for 30 years, where he and his wife Caroline are raising their two children and dedicating their careers to making this state better. With a career in public and legal sectors, Matthew has never lost sight of who he’s fighting for. He understands that the job isn’t just about land management, but also about fighting for fair returns, protecting long-term value, and making sure our natural resources continue to work for future generations.
Fighting for New Mexico’s Families
Matthew believes public servants should constantly be working to make the lives of New Mexicans better. That’s why, as a State Representative for six terms, he has always supported our hard-working families:
- Affordable housing
- Mental health and addiction services
- Giving children access to a strong and fulfilling education
- Career and technical training
- The right to earn sick leave
- Prescription drug cost relief
- Early childhood education, which is now a constitutional right in New Mexico, thanks in part to Land Grant Permanent Fund revenues.
- Sustainable land management and bold action to fight climate change for future generations
Now, Matthew is running for State Land Commissioner, because we need strong, experienced leaders here at home to protect our public lands and conservation efforts.
Matthew has dedicated his career to this intricate and complex field of work. As Land Commissioner, Matthew will diversify income sources, enhance community development, and explore affordable housing options, while embracing conservation and protecting our public lands.
Integrity, Accountability & Results
Matthew has been a leader in the legislature on ethics and transparency measures, including receiving the Foundation for Open Government’s Dixon Award in 2021 for increasing legislative transparency. He received this award for leading efforts on the Capital Outlay Allocation Transparency Bill which requires publication of capital outlay allocations. In 2025, his legislation to change the constitution to require the Governor to explain pocket vetoes will be headed to voters in 2026 for a public vote.
Matthew supported legislation that created an independent Ethics Commission to investigate allegations of misconduct and corruption, holding all elected officials accountable to the public. And, the New Mexico Library Association named him Legislator of the Year in 2023 for his demonstrated leadership.
As Land Commissioner, he’ll bring the same commitment to ethics and openness, ensuring decisions are made in the public interest and that every New Mexican sees the benefits of how our public lands are managed.