Matt Blunt
Matthew Roy Blunt (born November 20, 1970) is an American politician and former naval officer who served as the 54th governor of Missouri from 2005 to 2009. He previously served ten years in the United States Navy and as Missouri secretary of state, a position in which he oversaw elections and ballot initiatives in the state.
Matt Blunt | |
|---|---|
| 54th Governor of Missouri | |
| In office January 10, 2005 – January 12, 2009 | |
| Lieutenant | Peter Kinder |
| Preceded by | Bob Holden |
| Succeeded by | Jay Nixon |
| 37th Secretary of State of Missouri | |
| In office January 8, 2001 – January 10, 2005 | |
| Governor | Bob Holden |
| Preceded by | Bekki Cook |
| Succeeded by | Robin Carnahan |
| Member of the Missouri House of Representatives from the 139th district | |
| In office January 6, 1999 – January 8, 2001 | |
| Preceded by | Phillip Wannemacher |
| Succeeded by | Brad Roark |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Matthew Roy Blunt November 20, 1970 Greene County, Missouri, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | |
| Relations | Leroy Blunt (grandfather) Roy Blunt (father) |
| Children | 2 |
| Residence(s) | Springfield, Missouri, U.S. |
| Education | Jefferson City High School |
| Alma mater | United States Naval Academy (BA) |
| Profession | Naval officer |
| Awards | Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (4) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch/service | United States Navy |
| Rank | Lieutenant commander |
| Battles/wars | Operation Support Democracy Operation Enduring Freedom |
Blunt won the 2004 Missouri gubernatorial election as the Republican nominee against Democratic nominee Claire McCaskill. The election coincided with elections in the Missouri General Assembly, where Republicans maintained their majority; this made Blunt the first Republican governor to serve with a Republican legislature in 84 years, making his policy proposals easier to accomplish. At age 33, he also became the second-youngest person ever elected governor after Kit Bond. Blunt did not seek a second term as governor, announcing his decision on January 22, 2008.
After working as a consultant, Blunt was hired as the president of the American Automotive Policy Council in 2011, representing the auto lobby in Washington, D.C. His father, Roy Blunt, has served in a variety of political offices, including as Missouri secretary of state and congressman, and in the U.S. Senate from 2011 to 2023.