MATTHEWS for congress
MATTHEWS
for
CONGRESS
Ward 7 Resident. People First Leader. A Trailblazer for D.C.’s Future.
“Washington, D.C. deserves a representative in Congress who will fight tirelessly for our families, our neighborhoods, and our future. Robert has dedicated his life to building systems that uplift people—and now, he’s ready to take that fight to Capitol Hill. His leadership has not only shaped progress here in D.C., but has also influenced communities across the country, proving his ability to deliver real results on a national scale”
WHY
I'M
RUNNING
For far too long, the voices of Washington, D.C. residents have been overlooked in the halls of Congress. I’m running because our city deserves bold leadership—someone who has lived our struggles, fought for our families, and delivered real results.
From creating the 211 Warm-line that connects residents to critical services, to leading the DC One Fund and raising over $1 million for local nonprofits, to securing $9 million to support families with housing, food, and utilities—I have always put people first.
I know what it takes to build bridges, deliver resources, and create solutions. As your Congressman, I will ensure D.C. families are not just heard, but prioritized.
This campaign isn’t about politics—it’s about people. It’s about every Ward, it’s about D.C., and it’s about a future where every resident has the dignity, opportunity, and power they deserve.
matthews
about
A Lifelong Servant Leader for D.C.
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Robert L. Matthews is a Ward 7 resident, public servant, and reformer who has dedicated his life to strengthening families and communities across Washington, D.C. and the country.
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Former Chief of Staff, Maryland Social Services Administration — Led kinship and older youth initiatives, driving strategic programs and cross-agency collaboration to improve outcomes for vulnerable youth and families.
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Former Assistant Commissioner, Tennessee Department of Human Services — Directed a 3,500+ workforce overseeing TANF, SNAP, Medicaid, Adult Protective Services, Emergency Management, Weatherization LIHEAP, and Child Care Monitoring and Licensing, with a focus on program integrity, service accessibility, and operational excellence.
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Senior Associate, Annie E. Casey Foundation — Led national child welfare reform initiatives, coordinating cross-sector efforts to improve outcomes for vulnerable children and families across the country.
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Director, Relative Caregiver Program, Tennessee Department of Children’s Services — Oversaw policy and program development for relatives raising children, enhancing supports, licensing, and service delivery to kinship families.​
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As a leader in child and family services, Robert was instrumental in helping D.C. exit a 32-year federal court oversight, proving his ability to deliver results where others said change was impossible.
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​Robert believes in building systems that work for people, not against them. He knows that government must be a partner in ensuring every resident has what they need to thrive.
historic
GOVERNMENT
reform
Leading the District of Columbia Out of a
32-Year Federal Consent Decree
As Director of the District of Columbia’s Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA), Robert L. Matthews spearheaded one of the most significant reforms in the District’s history. For over three decades, the District was under a federal consent decree (Lashawn vs. Muriel Bowser) triggered by longstanding systemic failures, including:
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• Poor quality of child protective services investigations
• Excessive caseloads
• An inadequate placement array for children and youth
• Lack of comprehensive social worker training
• Ineffective tracking and monitoring of foster placements
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In 2023, under Director Matthews’ leadership, the District achieved substantial compliance with the court’s requirements and exited the lawsuit in
December 2022—the first time in 32 years
—Chairing the 69th D.C. One Fund
Championing Community Support
As the 69th Chair of the D.C. One Fund, Director Matthews further demonstrated his dedication to
public good. He successfully led the District’s premier philanthropic campaign, raising over $1 million
for local non-profits serving D.C. residents in need. His leadership inspired unprecedented employee
engagement and amplified resources for essential community services across the city.
Director Matthews also led the rebranding and relaunch of the District’s 211 Warm Line. The 211 Warm Line is a confidential helpline dedicated to connecting D.C. residents with non-emergency support, including:
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• Referrals to housing and utility assistance
• Access to food resources
• Connections to behavioral health and counseling services
• Guidance for employment and legal assistance
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By revitalizing this critical resource, Director Matthews ensured that thousands of residents could
more easily find the help they need—strengthening community ties and supporting resident wellbeing.
ready to lead dc forward
Robert L. Matthews offers:
• System Transformation — 32-year consent decree resolved
• Strategic Vision — Prevention-first programs grounded in family well-being
• Financial Leadership — Secured historic philanthropic investment
• Coalition Building — United diverse partners for citywide impact
• Innovation — Designed models now replicated nationwide
• Community Engagement — Mobilized and empowered every DC neighborhood
Robert L. Matthews has the experience, vision, and record of results to lead Washington, DC into a
new era of effective government, community empowerment, and opportunity for all.