Matt Blumenthal

Blumenthal was born in Stamford, Connecticut and raised in Stamford and Greenwich, Connecticut, to then state representative Richard Blumenthal, and his wife, Cynthia Malkin. He received his undergraduate degree magna cum laude from Harvard College, majoring in History and Literature.{{Cite web|title=Biography {{!}} Connecticut House Democrats|url=https://www.housedems.ct.gov/node/8882|access-date=2020-07-11|website=www.housedems.ct.gov}} He received his Juris Doctor degree from Yale Law School.{{Cite web|title=Biography {{!}} Connecticut House Democrats|url=https://www.housedems.ct.gov/node/8882|access-date=2020-07-11|website=www.housedems.ct.gov}}

Blumenthal served as an Infantry Officer in the United States Marine Corps Reserve.{{Cite web|title=Biography {{!}} Connecticut State Rep. Matt Blumenthal|url=https://www.legistorm.com/person/bio/312689/Matthew_S_Blumenthal.html|access-date=2022-01-04|website=www.legistorm.com}} He spent roughly two and a half years in active duty service, commanding a rifle platoon in Marjah, Afghanistan with Charlie Company, First Battalion, Twenty-Fifth Marines, as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.{{Cite web|last=Vigdor|first=Neil|title=Like Father, Like Son? Matt Blumenthal Running For the Legislature|url=https://www.courant.com/politics/capitol-watch/hc-pol-blumenthal-son-candidate-20180403-story.html|access-date=2021-01-23|website=courant.com}}

After graduating from Yale Law School, Blumenthal served as a judicial law clerk to Hon. Diane P. Wood, then Chief Judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.{{Cite web|title=Biography {{!}} Connecticut House Democrats|url=https://www.housedems.ct.gov/node/8882|access-date=2020-07-11|website=www.housedems.ct.gov}}

Blumenthal is a trial attorney for the law firm Koskoff, Koskoff & Bieder.{{Cite web|title=Koskoff {{!}} Lawyer {{!}} Matt Blumenthal|url=https://www.koskoff.com/attorney/matt-blumenthal/|access-date=2022-01-04|website=www.koskoff.com.}} He was the legal architect and one of the lead attorneys representing families of victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in their lawsuit against conspiracy theorist and radio personality Alex Jones, which achieved a $1.4 billion verdict on their behalf.{{cite web |publisher=Associated Press|url=https://www.therepublic.com/2022/10/12/alex-jones-ordered-to-pay-965-million-for-sandy-hook-lies/|title=Alex Jones ordered to pay $965 million for Sandy Hook lies|website=The Republic.com|access-date=2023-02-10}} He and his colleagues on the case team were the recipients of the 2023 Public Justice Trial Lawyer of the Year Award.{{cite web |url=https://www.publicjustice.net/public-justice-announces-winners-for-2023-trial-lawyer-of-the-year-award/|title=Public Justice Announces Winners for 2023 Trial Lawyer of the Year Award| website=PublicJustice.net|date= July 17, 2023|access-date=2023-07-27}} He has been selected to the Connecticut Super Lawyers “Rising Stars” list since 2022.{{cite web |title=Super Lawyers, Attorney Profile: Matt Blumenthal|url=https://profiles.superlawyers.com/connecticut/bridgeport/lawyer/matthew-blumenthal/e1718ae3-138c-40ff-bf96-ef8d6c76f976.html|website=profiles.superlawyers.com|access-date=2023-05-02}}

Blumenthal previously served as a supervisor at the Peter Gruber Rule of Law Clinic at Yale Law School.{{Cite web|title=Biography {{!}} Connecticut House Democrats|url=https://www.housedems.ct.gov/node/8882|access-date=2020-07-11|website=www.housedems.ct.gov}} In that role, he helped supervise and submit briefs to the U.S. Supreme Court and lower federal courts in cases against the Trump Administration’s travel ban{{Cite web|title=Rule of Law Clinic Files Additional Amicus Brief in Travel Ban Case| url=https://law.yale.edu/yls-today/news/rule-law-clinic-files-additional-amicus-brief-travel-ban-case| website=law.yale.edu|access-date=2022-01-04}} and transgender military ban.{{Cite web|title=Rule of Law Clinic Files Amicus Brief in Transgender Service Member Ban Case|url=https://law.yale.edu/yls-today/news/rule-law-clinic-files-amicus-brief-transgender-service-member-ban-case| website=law.yale.edu|access-date=2022-01-04}} He also led the team that produced a comprehensive guidance on critical interpretive and procedural questions regarding the 25th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.{{Cite web|title=Rule of Law Clinic Releases “Reader’s Guide” for the 25th Amendment|url=https://law.yale.edu/yls-today/news/rule-law-clinic-releases-readers-guide-25th-amendment|website=law.yale.edu|access-date=2022-01-04}}

In 2018, Blumenthal was elected to serve as State Representative for the 147th District of the Connecticut General Assembly, winning 59 percent of the vote against Republican candidate Anzelmo Graziosi.{{cite web|title=Connecticut Election Results - Election Results 2018 - The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2018/11/06/us/elections/results-connecticut-elections.html|access-date=January 14, 2019|website=nytimes.com}} He was endorsed by former President Barack Obama.{{Cite web|last=Vigdor|first=Neil|title=Barack Obama Endorses Ned Lamont For Governor, Jahana Hayes For Congress|url=https://www.courant.com/2018/10/01/barack-obama-endorses-ned-lamont-for-governor-jahana-hayes-for-congress/|website=courant.com|access-date=2022-01-04}} In 2020, Blumenthal was re-elected, defeating Republican Dan Maymin 62 percent to 38 percent.{{cite web|title=2020 State House Results|url=https://www.cbia.com/resources/election-center/election-results-election-center/2020-elections-results-ct-house/|access-date=2021-01-24|website=cbia.com}} In 2022, he was re-elected again, defeating Republican Abraham Viera by a margin of 60.2 percent to 39.8 percent.{{Cite web|title=2022 Connecticut State House - District 147 Election Results|url=https://www.jsonline.com/elections/results/race/2022-11-08-state_house-CT-7395/|website=jsonline.com|access-date=2023-02-24}}

Blumenthal is the current House Chair of the Government Administration and Elections Committee, and a member of the Judiciary and Transportation Committees.{{Cite web|title=Biography {{!}} Connecticut House Democrats|url=https://www.housedems.ct.gov/node/8882|access-date=2020-07-11|website=www.housedems.ct.gov}} He is the co-founder and Co-Chair of the General Assembly’s Reproductive Rights Caucus.{{Cite web|url=https://www.fox61.com/article/news/politics/connecticut-democrats-speak-49th-anniversary-roe-v-wade/520-049b27b6-a016-4823-b757-bf551e75fcb2|title=State leaders speak up to protect reproductive health on the 49th anniversary of Roe v. Wade|last=Dashefsky|first=Daniel|website=Fox61.com|access-date=2022-01-22}}

In 2022, Blumenthal co-authored and led passage of the Connecticut Reproductive Freedom Defense Act, which protects residents, healthcare providers, and visiting patients from out-of-state lawsuits or prosecutions related to reproductive or gender-affirming health care that is legal in Connecticut.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/30/nyregion/connecticut-texas-abortion-law.html|title=Connecticut Moves to Blunt Impact of Other States’ Anti-Abortion Laws|last=Maslin Nir|first=Sarah|last2=Zernike|first2=Kate|website=nytimes.com|date=April 30, 2022|access-date=2022-05-13}} It was drafted and passed in anticipation of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overruled Roe v. Wade. It has been called “the gold standard for pro-choice legislation in the post-Roe era,” as well as a “blueprint” and a “model for other . . . states that want to protect abortion access.”{{Cite web|url=https://Slate.com/news-and-politics/2022/04/connecticuts-abortion-protection-blueprint.html|title=Only One Blue State Is Fully Preparing for the Next Phase of the Abortion Wars|date=April 20, 2022|website=slate.com| author-link = Mark Joseph Stern | last = Stern |first=Mark Joseph|access-date=2022-05-13}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2022/04/30/connecticut-abortion-rights/|title=

Conn. lawmakers pass bill to be ‘place of refuge’ for abortion patients|date=April 30, 2022|website=washingtonpost.com|last=Kitchener|first=Caroline|access-date=2022-05-13}} Blumenthal authored the law with Rep. Jillian Gilchrest, with whom he cofounded and co-chairs the General Assembly’s Reproductive Rights Caucus.{{Cite web|url=https://www.ctpost.com/opinion/article/Opinion-CT-reproductive-rights-are-under-threat-17024701.php|title=Opinion: CT reproductive rights are under threat. We must act now|date=March 24, 2022|website=ctpost.com|last=Blumenthal|first=Matt|last2=Gilchrest|first2=Jillian|access-date=2022-07-18}} Sixteen other states and the District of Columbia have since enacted laws based on its provisions.{{Cite web|url=https://reproductiverights.org/maps/abortion-laws-by-state/|title=Maps: Abortion Laws By State|publisher=Center for Reproductive Rights|website=reproductiverights.org|access-date=2023-11-20}}

In 2023, Blumenthal co-authored and led passage of the state’s first legislation allowing early voting.{{Cite web|url=https://ctmirror.org/2023/05/04/ct-early-voting-election-14-days/|title=House passes bill to bring early voting to Connecticut|website=ctmirror.org|last=Pazniokas|first=Mark|date=May 4, 2023|access-date=2023-06-09}} He led passage of a resolution for a Constitutional amendment to allow no-excuse absentee voting, which will go before the voters for approval in November 2024.{{Cite web|url=https://ctmirror.org/2023/05/10/ct-no-excuse-absentee-voting-2024-ballot-house-vote/|title=CT House votes to put no-excuse absentee voting on 2024 ballot|website=ctmirror.org|last=Pazniokas|first=Mark|date=May 10, 2023|access-date=2023-06-09}} He had previously been at the forefront of the efforts to expand access to absentee and early voting in Connecticut,{{Cite web|url=https://www.stamfordadvocate.com/opinion/article/Matt-Blumenthal-opinion-We-could-expand-16024561.php|title=Matt Blumenthal (opinion): ‘We could expand absentee-ballot access right now’ in CT

|website=stamfordadvocate.com|last=Blumenthal|first=Matt|access-date=2022-01-04}}{{Cite web|url=https://ctmirror.org/2021/05/24/bipartisan-support-in-connecticut-house-to-ease-absentee-voting/|title=Bipartisan support in Connecticut House to ease absentee voting|website=ctmirror.org|last=Pazniokas|first=Mark|date=May 24, 2021|access-date=2022-01-04}} authoring absentee-ballot expansion legislation that passed in 2022.{{Cite web|url=https://ctmirror.org/2022/03/16/ct-house-votes-to-ease-absentee-voting-for-caretakers-commuters/|title=CT House votes to ease absentee voting for caretakers, commuters|website=ctmirror.org|last=Pazniokas|first=Mark|date=March 16, 2022|access-date=2022-05-13}} In 2023, he also co-authored and helped lead passage of the John R. Lewis Connecticut Voting Rights Act,{{Cite web|url=https://www.naacpldf.org/press-release/civil-voting-rights-organizations-commend-connecticut-legislature-for-final-passage-of-historic-state-voting-rights-legislation/|title=Civil & Voting Rights Organizations Commend Connecticut Legislature for Final Passage of Historic State Voting Rights Legislation|website=naacpldf.org|publisher=NAACP Legal Defense Fund|date=June 6, 2023|access-date= 2023-06-09}} the strongest state voting-rights legislation in the nation, as well as the first significant reform strengthening the state’s Freedom of Information laws in 40 years.{{Cite web|url=https://www.ctinsider.com/news/article/reforms-bolster-ct-leader-government-records-18163182.php|title=Reforms bolster CT as leader in government records transparency, experts say|website=ctinsider.com|last=Eaton|first=Joshua|last2=Rabe Thomas|first2=Jacqueline|date=June 27, 2023|access-date=2023-07-27}}

Blumenthal has also authored and helped lead passage of the state’s ban on ghost guns and 3D-printed guns,{{Cite web|url=https://www.ctpost.com/local/article/CT-ghost-gun-ban-moves-forward-13828557.php|title=CT ‘ghost gun’ ban moves forward|website=ctpost.com|last=Kramer|first=Jack|date=May 8, 2019|access-date=2022-01-04}} as well as helping pass laws ensuring safe storage of firearms.{{Cite web|url=https://archives.rep-am.com/2019/05/07/house-expected-to-vote-tuesday-on-gun-storage-bills/#google_vignette|title=House expected to vote Tuesday on gun storage bills|website=archives.rep-am.com|last=Larson|first=Andrew|date=May 7, 2019|access-date=2022-01-04}} Additionally, he has helped author legislation to increase equity and reduce discrimination on juries,{{Cite web|url=https://www.courant.com/2021/04/06/democrats-advance-reforms-designed-by-connecticut-judges-attorneys-to-reduce-racial-bias-in-jury-selection/|title=Democrats advance reforms designed by Connecticut judges, attorneys to reduce racial bias in jury selection|website=courant.com|last=Murdock|first=Zach|date=April 6, 2021|access-date=2022-01-04}} confront online harassment, stalking, and hate crimes,{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/ADL_Connecticut/status/1400610931307122690|title=ADL welcomes the CT House's passage of An Act Concerning Online Harassment...Thank you @Matt_Blumenthal...for championing this important bill|website=twitter.com|publisher=ADL_Connecticut(@ADL_Connecticut)|date=June 3, 2021|access-date=2022-01-04}} and update Connecticut’s Emergency Risk Protection Order (Red-Flag) law.{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/Matt_Blumenthal/status/1392555163844370433|title=We just passed HB 6355, updating our #redflag law, which helps separate from firearms people dangerous to themselves or others. Was proud to help craft it.|website=twitter.com|publisher= Blumenthal, Matt (@matt_blumenthal)|date=May 12, 2021|access-date=2022-01-04}}

{{Election box begin no change|title=Connecticut's 147th State house district election, 2018{{Cite web|title=Office of the Secretary of State|url=https://electionhistory.ct.gov/eng/contests/view/3920}}}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change|party=Democratic Party (United States)|candidate=Matt Blumenthal|votes=6,187|percentage=58.9%}}

{{Election box candidate no change|party=Total|candidate=Anzelmo Graziosi|votes=4,326|percentage=41.1%}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change|party=Republican Party (United States)|candidate=Anzelmo Graziosi|votes=4,153|percentage=39.5%}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change|party=Independent Party of Connecticut|candidate=Anzelmo Graziosi|votes=173|percentage=1.6%}}

{{Election box total no change|votes=10,513|percentage=100.00%|change=}}

{{Election box hold with party link no change|winner=Democratic Party (United States)}}

{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin no change|title=Connecticut's 147th State house district election, 2020{{Cite web|title=Office of the Secretary of State|url=https://electionhistory.ct.gov/eng/contests/view/15244/}}}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change|party=Democratic Party (United States)|candidate=Matt Blumenthal (incumbent)|votes=8,451|percentage=62.0%}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change|party=Republican Party (United States)|candidate=Dan Maymin|votes=5,176|percentage=38.0%}}

{{Election box total no change|votes=13,627|percentage=100.00%|change=}}

{{Election box hold with party link no change|winner=Democratic Party (United States)}}

{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin no change|title=Connecticut's 147th State house district election, 2022{{Cite web|title=Office of the Secretary of State|url=https://electionhistory.ct.gov/eng/contests/view/34950/}}}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change|party=Democratic Party (United States)|candidate=Matt Blumenthal (incumbent)|votes=5,265|percentage=60.2%}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change|party=Republican Party (United States)|candidate=Abraham David Viera|votes=3,482|percentage=39.8%}}

{{Election box total no change|votes=8,747|percentage=100.00%}}

{{Election box hold with party link no change|winner=Democratic Party (United States)}}

{{Election box end}}

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Blumenthal, Matt

Category:Living people

Category:21st-century members of the Connecticut General Assembly

Category:American people of German-Jewish descent

Category:Jewish state legislators in Connecticut

Category:1986 births

Category:Harvard College alumni

Category:Wien family

Category:Yale Law School alumni

Category:Connecticut lawyers

Category:Politicians from Stamford, Connecticut

Category:Politicians from Greenwich, Connecticut

Category:United States Marine Corps reservists

Category:21st-century American Jews