Matt Wolford for Commonwealth Court: A Proven Advocate for PA

Born and raised in Erie, Pennsylvania, Matt Wolford has deep roots in our community. He and his wife, Marian, raised their four children here, instilling in them the same values of integrity, hard work, and service that have guided Matt throughout his life. A lifelong Pennsylvanian, Matt has lived, studied, and worked across the Commonwealth — gaining a broad understanding of the people and communities he’s now seeking to serve from the bench.

From an early age, Matt learned the value of hard work. As a teenager, he worked at a local hardware store, and as co-captain of his high school wrestling team, he developed the discipline and perseverance that have defined his career. While earning his degree at Penn State University, Matt worked as a lifeguard — both at the university pool and on the beaches of Presque Isle State Park. After graduating, he went on to earn his law degree from Temple University School of Law.

For more than 35 years, Matt has dedicated his career to upholding the law and serving the people of Pennsylvania — both in public service and private practice. As a Deputy Attorney General in Philadelphia, he represented state agencies in civil litigation and later led the Environmental Crimes Section field office in Meadville. He also served as a Special Prosecutor for the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General and the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania, ensuring that justice was served at every level.

Matt continued his public service at the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, first as Assistant Counsel and later as Regional Counsel, developing deep expertise in regulatory, administrative, and environmental law.

For the past 25 years, Matt has run his own small law practice in Erie — representing individuals, families, farmers, and businesses in cases involving environmental law, property rights, and complex regulatory issues. He knows firsthand the challenges Pennsylvanians face when navigating government regulations and believes the courts should serve the people, not the bureaucracy.

Beyond his legal practice, Matt has spent over two decades teaching as an Adjunct Professor at Gannon University, and has also taught at Allegheny College and Thiel College. He regularly lectures for the Pennsylvania Bar Institute and other professional organizations, mentoring the next generation of legal minds. He’s also a longtime member of the Presque Isle State Park Advisory Committee and the Presque Isle Partnership, continuing his lifelong commitment to preserving our region’s natural treasures.

Now, Matt Wolford is running for Judge of the Commonwealth Court — to bring his experience, integrity, and deep commitment to fairness to the bench. Matt believes every Pennsylvanian deserves a court system that is fair, efficient, and accountable — one that works for the people, not against them.

With decades of proven service, unmatched legal expertise, and a lifelong dedication to Pennsylvania, Matt Wolford is the experienced, principled choice for Commonwealth Court Judge.