Longtime organizer Matthew Fonken throws hat in ring for Congress

RENO, Nev. (KOLO) - Longtime political organizer Matthew Fonken officially launched his campaign for Congress in Nevada’s 2nd District from the Hunter Creek Trailhead on Saturday, Jan. 17, according to a news release.

“Northern Nevada deserves a representative who actually gets what working people are going through, protects what makes this place special, and puts people ahead of politics,” he said.

Fonken is the son of USPS letter carriers who was raised on a Romance, Ark., horse farm.

He is running on a platform focused on safeguarding public lands and water, strengthening access to quality healthcare, lowering housing costs while raising wages, and defending the constitution

Fonken is a longtime organizer in addition to having significant experience in the Nevada legislature.

He has built grassroots campaigns to protect access to healthcare and to raise awareness about climate change.

Fonken was also an attaché in the Nevada Assembly.

The Democrat believes in leading with integrity, respect and accountability.

“Do the right thing even when it’s hard, and be honest about the tradeoffs,” Fonken said on his website.

He believes in listening, treating everyone with dignity, and remembering that disagreement doesn’t make someone your enemy.

Fonken said elected officials should be transparent and answerable to the public.

In addition, he said he will use the office to solve real problems in people’s lives, not to climb a political ladder.