Matt Martin was born in Arizona and attended Northwestern University on a music scholarship, where he majored in jazz studies and political science.
[5] Martin later worked as a civil rights lawyer in the Illinois Attorney General's office,[6] and co-founded the Heart of Lincoln Square Neighbors Association.
[1][7] Matt Martin's campaign emphasized funding public schools, maintaining affordability in the ward, property tax relief for homeowners, and police accountability.
[5] He was endorsed by the Chicago Tribune which noted that Martin "has an independent streak and shares our determination that a new City Council put away its rubber stamp and flex its legislative muscle.
[2][16] On April 10, 2019, Martin joined six other newly elected members of the City Council in protesting against the approval of tax increment financing for the Lincoln Yards and The 78 real estate developments.