The Hill’s 2012 New Members Guide

Rep.-elect Matt Cartwright (D-Pa.-17)

DATE OF BIRTH: May 1, 1961

BIRTHPLACE: Erie, Pa.

RESIDENCE: Moosic, Pa.

OCCUPATION: Lawyer

EDUCATION: B.A, Hamilton College; J.D., University of Pennsylvania

PREVIOUS OFFICE HELD: None 

FAMILY: Wife, Marion; two children

The Democrats held onto Pennsylvania’s 17th congressional district thanks to Matt Cartwright’s victory over Republican Laureen Cummings. Cartwright will replace moderate Democratic Rep. Tim Holden, whom he defeated in a primary fight. 

Cartwright beat Holden, whom he had labeled too conservative, after redistricting by the GOP-controlled state legislature saw the Blue Dog Democrat placed into a much more Democratic district.

Cartwright has portrayed himself as much more liberal than his predecessor. He supports the Affordable Care Act, and has stated that the legislation did not do enough to expand coverage. 

This was Cartwright’s first election. Prior to his successful bid for the House seat, he has worked as an attorney with the firm of Munley, Munley & Cartwright.