Matt Hanson holds a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Richmond and has a background in high school education in Hong Kong. He has extensive professional experience, including roles as an engineer for BNSF Railway and an officer for SMART-TD Local 171. Hanson has also served on various local commissions and advisory boards, showcasing his commitment to public service. His career achievements include advocating for worker's rights, budget responsibility, and public safety policies.

Matt Hanson's political identity is marked by a blend of progressive advocacy and pragmatic governance, particularly in balancing worker's rights with budget responsibility. Hanson's unique ideological positioning emerges in his unexpected alignment with industrial interests on environmental regulations, suggesting a calculated approach to policy. His rhetorical style is notably earnest, often framing personal experiences—such as his DUI conviction—as lessons in accountability and community service. Hanson's international upbringing and professional background in engineering and labor further color his policy perspectives, making him a distinctive voice in local politics.