A graduate of Boston University, Matthews briefly worked as a sports writer before entering politics in 2005 as a campaign worker in New Jersey.

[1] Matthews has worked for the conservative Nevada Policy Research Institute since 2007, starting as the communications director and ultimately becoming president.

He was then hired as executive director of a conservative PAC tied to former Nevada Attorney General Adam Laxalt.

In 2022, Matthews chose not to run for reelection to the Assembly and instead entered the race for Nevada State Controller.

He was unopposed in the Republican primary, and faced Democrat Ellen Spiegel in the November general election.