Rep. Matt Bradford's Biography

State Rep. Matt Bradford represents the 70th Legislative District in central Montgomery County and is no stranger to the issues most affecting working families.

In fact, not only does Bradford understand the issues confronting our communities -- as an attorney, activist, municipal official and now state representative -- Bradford also has a proven record of fighting for the people of Montgomery County. Additionally, as a husband and father of four young children, he knows that the decisions made in Harrisburg today have a real impact on our communities for years to come. That's why Bradford has taken the lessons he has learned while serving his community with him to Harrisburg where he is fighting for his constituents in the state House.

Bradford was raised in nearby Chester County, the youngest of three boys and the proud son of Marguerite and David Bradford. Marguerite served her country in the United States Naval Reserve and, later, her family as a working mom. David, though traveling extensively as a salesman while Bradford was young, instilled in Bradford a deep sense of duty and sacrifice for the betterment of one's family.

Later, Bradford's parents opened a small family business where Bradford frequently worked after school, on weekends and during the summer. From that experience, Bradford learned the importance of hard work. While continuing to work to help pay for school, Bradford earned his undergraduate and law degrees from Villanova University. While an undergraduate, Bradford was active in numerous charitable organizations as well as a volunteer as a youth basketball coach for the local C.Y.O. In law school, Bradford spent the summer working for the United Steelworkers Union's General Counsel's Office, the United States Attorney's Office and a federal district court judge.

After law school, Bradford was an associate in the law firm Drinker Biddle's litigation department. Bradford took a leave from his practice when he was appointed municipal administrator and chief executive officer of Norristown Borough, serving alongside Gov. Ed Rendell's special advisor to Norristown, Joseph C. Vignola.

In the wake of a municipal corruption scandal and with a state takeover looming, Bradford worked hand-in-hand with Vignola and local elected officials to navigate the financially distressed community away from bankruptcy. As a result of uncovering hundreds of thousands of dollars of waste, fraud and abuse, as well as from debt restructuring and contract concessions, Norristown -- after nearly a decade of red ink -- has seen a return to balanced budgets, a tremendous increase in public and private investment, and massive improvements in public services.

Bradford is Of Counsel at a municipal law firm and continues to assist local public officials in confronting the pressing policy issues that are most affecting our families and communities. Bradford previously served as a solicitor for several Montgomery County communities and a school board, where he found another outlet to serve while also advocating for better schools, better jobs and stronger communities.

Since being elected to the House, Bradford has built a reputation as a bipartisan consensus builder both locally and in Harrisburg.

Bradford resides in Worcester Township with his college sweetheart and wife, Renee, and their quickly growing family. Renee, having worked for an international trading company after graduating from Villanova University, is currently a full-time mom and is busy raising their four children: Katherine Sophia, or "Kate"; John Patrick, or "Jack"; Zachary Matthew; and William, or “Will.”