Matthew Gardea  

Congressional Intern, Presented by Walmart  

Hometown: Horizon City, Texas  

School: The University of Texas at El Paso  

Major: Philosophy   

Placement: U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Accountability  

Matthew spent his childhood in rural Tornillo and Horizon City, both communities in East El Paso County, Texas. As a recent graduate of the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy. During the coronavirus pandemic, he was one of nine UTEP students awarded the prestigious Terry Foundation Scholarship, a full-ride scholarship recognizing leadership, community engagement, and academic excellence, provided by the largest private scholarship provider in Texas. 

At the age of 18, Matthew was unanimously appointed by the Horizon City Council and Mayor to serve on the Planning & Zoning Commission. He has served since August 2020 as the youngest appointee in the city’s history and Vice-Chairman. Matthew’s public service journey continued through the prestigious Bill Archer Fellowship Program in the fall of 2022, where he was 1 of 48 University of Texas System students selected to complete a public policy internship while studying in Washington, DC. During this time, he interned in the Office of U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, conducting policy research, attending hearings, and assisting in legislative duties, gaining valuable experience in the legislative process. 

Committed to continuous learning, Matthew moved to Austin, Texas to complete two additional internships. He worked in the External Relations Office at the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and in the Governmental Relations Office at the University of Texas System Administration. Upon completing the internship, Matthew returned home to complete his final courses at UTEP and finished the university’s Law School Preparation Institute program in the summer. 

Matthew aspires to further his education by obtaining a law degree, with the ultimate goal of working in public interest law. He is particularly interested in policy development and legal reform that addresses the needs of underserved populations. While in Washington, DC with CHCI, Matthew hopes to gain a deeper understanding of the legislative process and the practical skills necessary to advocate effectively for his community. He looks forward to using this experience to inspire others and make a meaningful impact in public service.