Robert Matthews

[{"question": "Ballotpedia survey responses", "answer_html": "<p>See also: <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a></p>\n<div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-10 col-md-6 col-xs-offset-1 col-md-offset-3\"><p><a href=\"https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\"><img align=\"middle\" alt=\"Candidate Connection\" src=\"https://cdn.ballotpedia.org/images/8/88/Candidate_Connection_Logo.png\" width=\"90%\"/></a></p></div></div>\n<p>Robert Matthews completed <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a> survey in 2026. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Matthews' responses.</p>\n<p><span class=\"expand-all\">Expand all</span> | <span class=\"collapse-all\">Collapse all</span></p>\n<div aria-multiselectable=\"true\" class=\"panel-group\" id=\"accordion\" role=\"tablist\"><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-365866-2026-02-17\" id=\"heading-bio-365866-2026-02-17\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-365866-2026-02-17\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-365866-2026-02-17\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho are you? Tell us about yourself.\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-bio-365866-2026-02-17\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-365866-2026-02-17\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tRobert L. Matthews is Chief Program Officer at Think of Us, leading program strategy. He brings 20+ years improving child welfare outcomes, with leadership roles in Tennessee and Maryland, and served as Director of the D.C. Child and Family Services Agency (2021–2024), appointed by Mayor Muriel Bowser.During his tenure in D.C., Robert helped the District become the first jurisdiction to have a plan approved by the U.S. Children’s Bureau to prevent unnecessary entry into foster care under the Family First Prevention Services Act. He also led the District in meeting performance standards required to exit Federal Court oversight via the District’s 32-year LaShawn A. v. Bowser class-action lawsuit. Robert implemented and established 211 in DC, where more than 12,000 Washingtonians have been supported to date, and he solidified a $9 million investment from the Doris Duke Foundation to provide families with concrete and economic support. Ward 7 resident, former DC One Fund Chair raising over 1 million dollars for local non-profits. BS Tennessee State; MPA Cumberland University.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-365866-2026-02-17\" id=\"heading-key-message-365866-2026-02-17\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-365866-2026-02-17\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-365866-2026-02-17\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tPlease list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-key-message-365866-2026-02-17\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-365866-2026-02-17\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>DC statehood will not be won by talking only to DC residents or repeating the same arguments we have made for decades. My first step will be to change the audience and the frame of the conversation.\r\nI will actively engage members of Congress from across the country—especially those who may not naturally support statehood—and ask them to consider a simple question: How would you feel if the federal government controlled your local elections, your laws, and how you spend your tax dollars? When the issue is framed as a loss of local control and democratic rights, it becomes relatable beyond DC. At the same time, I will work with House leadership to ensure DC statehood legislation is continuously introduced, debated, and normalized.</li><li>I’m focused on strengthening D.C.’s local economy by making sure work pays. Livable wages, strong worker protections, and fair scheduling help families afford housing, food, and childcare—while reducing turnover and helping local businesses retain talent. As Delegate, I’ll advocate for federal policies that raise wage standards and expand benefits, and I’ll defend D.C.’s ability to set strong local labor laws without interference. When workers are stable, small businesses grow and neighborhoods thrive.</li><li>I will fight to protect immigrant families in D.C. by defending due process, expanding access to trusted legal support, and keeping families together. I oppose harmful ICE tactics that separate parents from children and undermine community safety. Public safety works best when people can report crimes, seek help, and go to school or work without fear. As Delegate, I’ll push for humane federal immigration policy and protect D.C.’s ability to limit local entanglement with deportation efforts.</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-365866-2026-02-17\" id=\"heading1-365866-2026-02-17\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-365866-2026-02-17\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-365866-2026-02-17\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading1-365866-2026-02-17\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-365866-2026-02-17\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI’m passionate about advancing DC statehood so District residents have full representation and control over local decisions. I’m committed to protecting immigrant families and ensuring our neighbors can live and work here with dignity and due process. I’m focused on strengthening D.C.’s economy through livable wages and policies that expand opportunity for working families. I care deeply about housing justice—more affordable homes and stronger tenant protections. And I’m engaged on foreign policy that reflects our values and keeps communities safe.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div></div>\n<div class=\"small\" data-nosnippet=\"\"><p><i><b>Note:</b> Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.</i></p></div>", "answer_text": "See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection\n\nRobert Matthews completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2026. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Matthews' responses.\nExpand all | Collapse all\nWho are you? Tell us about yourself. Robert L. Matthews is Chief Program Officer at Think of Us, leading program strategy. He brings 20+ years improving child welfare outcomes, with leadership roles in Tennessee and Maryland, and served as Director of the D.C. Child and Family Services Agency (2021–2024), appointed by Mayor Muriel Bowser.During his tenure in D.C., Robert helped the District become the first jurisdiction to have a plan approved by the U.S. Children’s Bureau to prevent unnecessary entry into foster care under the Family First Prevention Services Act. He also led the District in meeting performance standards required to exit Federal Court oversight via the District’s 32-year LaShawn A. v. Bowser class-action lawsuit. Robert implemented and established 211 in DC, where more than 12,000 Washingtonians have been supported to date, and he solidified a $9 million investment from the Doris Duke Foundation to provide families with concrete and economic support. Ward 7 resident, former DC One Fund Chair raising over 1 million dollars for local non-profits. BS Tennessee State; MPA Cumberland University. Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office? DC statehood will not be won by talking only to DC residents or repeating the same arguments we have made for decades. My first step will be to change the audience and the frame of the conversation.\r\nI will actively engage members of Congress from across the country—especially those who may not naturally support statehood—and ask them to consider a simple question: How would you feel if the federal government controlled your local elections, your laws, and how you spend your tax dollars? When the issue is framed as a loss of local control and democratic rights, it becomes relatable beyond DC. At the same time, I will work with House leadership to ensure DC statehood legislation is continuously introduced, debated, and normalized. I’m focused on strengthening D.C.’s local economy by making sure work pays. Livable wages, strong worker protections, and fair scheduling help families afford housing, food, and childcare—while reducing turnover and helping local businesses retain talent. As Delegate, I’ll advocate for federal policies that raise wage standards and expand benefits, and I’ll defend D.C.’s ability to set strong local labor laws without interference. When workers are stable, small businesses grow and neighborhoods thrive. I will fight to protect immigrant families in D.C. by defending due process, expanding access to trusted legal support, and keeping families together. I oppose harmful ICE tactics that separate parents from children and undermine community safety. Public safety works best when people can report crimes, seek help, and go to school or work without fear. As Delegate, I’ll push for humane federal immigration policy and protect D.C.’s ability to limit local entanglement with deportation efforts. What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? I’m passionate about advancing DC statehood so District residents have full representation and control over local decisions. I’m committed to protecting immigrant families and ensuring our neighbors can live and work here with dignity and due process. I’m focused on strengthening D.C.’s economy through livable wages and policies that expand opportunity for working families. I care deeply about housing justice—more affordable homes and stronger tenant protections. And I’m engaged on foreign policy that reflects our values and keeps communities safe.\nNote: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it."}]