Matthew Filosa, a senior majoring in political science, entered NJ’s 2021 State Legislative election as a major party candidate in the 30th District at just 21-years-old, making him one of the youngest candidates in the recent election.
“Having the opportunity to run for political office was one of the most rewarding challenges that I have taken on in my life,” Filosa said. “I had the chance to talk to so many voters, develop my communication skills, and see how politics in real life works.”
Filosa is a lifelong resident of Howell, NJ, and earned the rank of Eagle Scout when he was a junior at Colts Neck High School. While at Monmouth, Filosa has served a leading role on the Debate Team where he and his partner Anthony Calamari have won a number of team and individual awards. He has also played a leading role in the Political Science Club, helping to raise political awareness on campus by organizing the voter registration drive and a number of policy panels.
Filosa credits his time at Monmouth for preparing him for this opportunity. “My professors gave me the insight and knowledge of politics to be able to engage, communicate, and apply theory to our political processes. Plus, being on the Debate Team taught me to think critically and construct arguments based on facts and evidence,” he said. “Ultimately, if it was not for my involvement at Monmouth, I would not have been ready to take up this task.”
