Matt The Welder

Matt “The Welder” is a Florida-born and raised agricultural worker, tradesman, and political candidate rooted in rural values and hands-on experience. Growing up in a small Florida town, he was shaped by family, faith, and the belief that hard work and practical problem-solving define one’s character. From an early age, Matt was immersed in farm life — raising cattle, horses, and pigs, participating in FFA, and competing in rodeos — which instilled in him a lifelong connection to the land and the people who work it. Rather than learning agriculture from textbooks, Matt built his understanding from lived experience. He spent years fixing tractors and equipment, shoeing horses, and supporting farmers and ranchers across the state. His trade as a welder and mechanic reflects his belief in honest labor and everyday reliability, and he became known locally for helping keep Florida’s farms running. Beyond his professional life, Matt has been happily married for eight years and is a dedicated father. His children are a central inspiration in his life and influence his commitment to building a stronger future for the next generation of Floridians. Matt distinguishes himself from traditional political figures by emphasizing that he is not a career politician but “one of us” — someone who understands firsthand the challenges of working hard, raising a family, and preserving the values of rural Florida. His biography serves as the foundation for his campaign for Florida Commissioner of Agriculture, where he champions leadership that respects hard work and protects local producers.

• Protect Florida’s water, public health, and pollinators by reining in harmful agricultural chemicals • Defend farmers’ right to repair their own equipment • Preserve Florida’s citrus industry and farmland from disease and overdevelopment • Improve forestry and wildfire management as growth increases • Restore accountability and transparency in consumer protection Stop abuse of Greenbelt tax benefits and ensure they serve real farmers