Claman is a trial and appellate attorney with Lane Powell, a regional law firm, and is past President of the Alaska Bar Association.
Claman served on the Anchorage Assembly beginning in 2007 and became its chair in 2008. He became the Acting Mayor of Anchorage in 2009 when then-Mayor Mark Begich was elected Alaska's United States Senator in the 2008 general election.[4] As Acting Mayor during 2008 financial crisis, he led efforts to reduce the municipal budget by $20 million, approximately 5%, and negotiated concessions to achieve a balanced budget.[5][3]
Claman was elected to the Alaska House of Representatives in 2014, and joined the Democratic minority.[6] During his first term, he sat on the Judiciary Committee, the Transportation Committee, and the Energy Committee. He is a strong advocate for a responsible action plan to address Alaska's financial challenges.[7]
In 2016, Claman was re-elected to the State House. Following the election, he joined the Alaska House Majority Coalition of 22 Democrats, Republicans, and Independents who are committed to working together to put Alaska first.[8] His peers selected him to chair the House Judiciary Committee, where he previously served as a committee member. He is also the Vice Chair of the Rules Committee and a member of the Legislative Council, Energy Committee, Transportation Committee, and Criminal Justice Commission. Claman has introduced legislation for a statewide vote to amend the Constitution of Alaska and limit the session to 90 days.
In response to reports about incidents of inappropriate conduct between undercover police officials and alleged sex workers, which revealed a legal loophole (not only in Alaska, but in all U.S. states) that allows police officers to engage in sex acts with prostitution suspects prior to their arrest, Claman introduced legislation (Alaska HB 112) to make it illegal.[9][10]
Claman is married to Lisa Rieger, who works for Cook Inlet Tribal Council, one of Alaska's most successful non-profit corporations. Matt and Lisa have two adult children. Claman is a licensed EMT and professional wilderness guide.[3]
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