New Liberal Highlight: Matt Hughes

Matt Hughes is a 15 year veteran of Democratic politics and center-left activism. A native of North Carolina, he serves as a member of the DNC representing North Carolina and as a member of the Hillsborough Board of Commissioners. He is a non-profit finance professional and a two-time graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. 

What drove you to the Center for New Liberalism, and what does it mean to you to be a New Liberal?

For a long time I’ve been looking for a non-partisan home for my activism and finding like minded (mostly) young folks who believe that good policy does not have to be radical policy. I believe that we are best positioned when we are policy focused rather than ideology focused. Most Americans, and most Democrats, identify as being close to the political center and being part of an organization that shares my ethos is really important. For me being a New Liberal is about eschewing the politics of division and extremes and instead being focused on a politics that taps into people’s shared values. I truly believe that being a New Liberal is advancing the policies that will benefit the most people with a forward looking focus towards a more prosperous future.

You serve as a Town Commissioner for Hillsborough, NC. Can you discuss what drew you to public service, and what your experience has been in local government?

Public service is about giving back to your community and I have always felt my community invested a lot in me so I should invest a lot into it. When I offered myself up for public service it wasn’t because I had a vendetta or upset about particular policies, but believed that I had something to add. That something is a perspective that you don’t often find in local elected bodies - someone who is young, a renter, a long-time resident whose family has basically moved away because of affordability concerns.

I have served in local government in various capacities since 2010 - as a member of our local Human Relations Commission and on our local Board of Adjustment. I also had been appointed by Governor Cooper to three different statewide commissions, which also informs my work in terms of civil rights, land-use, and juvenile justice.

You also serve as a North Carolina DNC member. How are you feeling going into the upcoming Democratic National Convention? Which issues do you think the Democratic Party should place an emphasis on in order to win in the 2024 election?

Governor Tim Walz had it right when he thanked Vice President Harris for making us joyful again. That is how I’m feeling going into this year’s DNC. Democrats are energized and excited about our ticket and I’m right there with them. We’re giving voters something to vote for again rather than against; we’re offering policy rather than just being a vanguard for democracy. In order to win this year, Democrats have to talk about the issues that affect folks - schools, transportation, affordable housing, the economy, and concerns about crime. In just a few short weeks, I think the Harris-Walz ticket is doing that while calling out the other ticket and their policies as weird (and rightfully so).