Goff 2026
AR
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Republican Candidate • Arkansas House District 9

Matt Goff

A Fayetteville native, retired Army Colonel, and 30-year military chaplain, Matt Goff is fighting for District 9's families, farmers, and future. Tested by decades of service — it's time for a leader who puts Arkansas first.

The Natural State Deserves Natural Leaders

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Meet Matt Goff

A Fayetteville native, retired Army Colonel, and 30-year military chaplain with deep roots in Arkansas's values and way of life.

Colonel (Ret.) • U.S. Army Chaplain • Fayetteville Native

A Leader Forged in Faith and Service

Matt Goff was born and raised in Fayetteville, Arkansas. A proud Razorback, he earned his B.A. in Radio & TV Broadcasting from the University of Arkansas through Army ROTC, then went on to earn his M.Div. from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Master's in Leadership & Ethics from John Brown University.

Matt served 30 years in the U.S. Army — beginning as a Signal Corps officer and Signal Detachment Commander for the elite 75th Ranger Regiment, then transitioning to the Army Chaplain Corps in 1991. He served in both Afghanistan and Iraq, earned the Bronze Star Medal, the Legion of Merit, and the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and retired in 2014 as a Colonel and III Corps Command Chaplain at Fort Hood, Texas. He returned home to Springdale with his wife Amy — married since 1981 — and their family of seven children and 22 grandchildren. Now he's ready to serve District 9 in the Arkansas State House with the same integrity and dedication he brought to every mission.

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The Goff Platform

Commonsense conservative solutions for the challenges facing District 9's families and communities.

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Economic Growth & Jobs

Cut red tape, lower the burden on small businesses, and bring quality employers to District 9. Our plan will create good-paying jobs and make Arkansas the best place in America to start and grow a business.

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Protecting Agriculture

Arkansas's farmers and ranchers feed our families and fuel our economy. Matt will fight for fair markets, expand crop insurance access, and invest in agricultural innovation to keep Arkansas farms thriving for generations.

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Education & Workforce

Every Arkansas child deserves a world-class education. Matt will champion school choice, advocate for higher teacher pay, expand vocational and trade training, and partner with local industry to prepare students for tomorrow's careers.

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2nd Amendment Rights

The right to keep and bear arms is non-negotiable. Matt Goff will never waver in defending law-abiding Arkansans' constitutional rights and will stand firm against any legislation that threatens those freedoms.

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Faith & Family Values

Our families are the backbone of Arkansas. Matt will defend the sanctity of life, support faith-based organizations, and ensure parents have the final say in their children's education and upbringing.

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Rural Infrastructure

Every corner of District 9 deserves reliable broadband, quality roads, and accessible healthcare. Matt's infrastructure priorities will bridge the urban-rural divide and connect our communities to the opportunities they deserve.

Proud to Be Arkansas

From the Ozark Mountains to the Delta plains, this campaign is rooted in every corner of our great state.

ARKANSAS Fayetteville/Springdale HD-9 Fort Smith Jonesboro Little Rock ★ Hot Springs

Fighting for District 9 and All 75 Counties

“Regnat Populus — The People Rule” — Arkansas State Motto

  • 🏞
    Rural District 9 Investment Dedicated funding for rural broadband expansion, road improvements, and healthcare access so every family in District 9 can thrive.
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    Supporting Arkansas Industries From the booming NW Arkansas tech corridor to the timber and poultry industries, the rice fields of the Delta, and the tourism economy of the Ozarks — Matt will fight for Arkansas workers.
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    Celebrating Arkansas Culture Whether it’s Friday night football, Razorback game days, the Buffalo River, or sweet tea on the porch — our traditions define who we are as Arkansans.
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    Conservation & Outdoor Heritage Protecting Arkansas’s 52 state parks, public hunting lands, world-class fishing, and the natural beauty that makes the Natural State truly special.

Endorsed by Arkansas’s Best

Trusted by community leaders, veterans, farmers, and families across District 9 and beyond.

“Matt Goff is exactly the kind of leader District 9 needs — a man of proven character, deep faith, and genuine love for his neighbors. His decades of selfless service speak louder than any political promise.”

JH
Pastor James Harrington NW Arkansas Faith Community (Placeholder)

“As a third-generation Arkansas farmer, I know Matt understands rural life. He fought for this country overseas — now he’ll fight for our farms and our families in Little Rock.”

CB
Carol Benton Arkansas Farm Bureau Member (Placeholder)

“I served alongside men like Matt Goff. He led under fire, cared for soldiers through their darkest hours, and never once put himself above his mission. That’s the leader District 9 deserves.”

RW
Col. Robert Wade (Ret.) U.S. Army Veteran, NW Arkansas (Placeholder)

“Matt Goff is a man of faith who walks the walk. With his background as an Army chaplain and his commitment to family values, he’s the clear conservative choice for House District 9.”

SP
Dr. Susan Patterson Southern Baptist Community Leader, Springdale (Placeholder)

A Life of Service

From Fayetteville to Fort Hood and back home to Springdale — Matt Goff has spent his life serving others before himself.

Fayetteville, AR

Born & Raised in the Natural State

Matt grew up in Fayetteville, Arkansas, shaped by faith, hard work, and a family legacy of service. His father, Ralph Goff, was a career Army chaplain who served from the 82nd Airborne to Vietnam — a calling Matt would one day answer himself.

1980

Commissioned — University of Arkansas

Matt earned his B.A. in Radio & TV Broadcasting from the U of A through Army ROTC and the Scabbard & Blade honorary society. Commissioned as a Signal Corps officer, he began a military career that would span three decades. Woo Pig Sooie.

1981

Married Amy — 44 Years Strong

Matt married Amy in 1981. Together they have raised seven children and now celebrate 22 grandchildren — a family rooted in faith and built to last.

1991

Army Chaplain Corps

After nearly a decade as a Signal officer — including service as Signal Detachment Commander for the elite 75th Ranger Regiment — Matt answered the call to ministry and transitioned into the Army Chaplain Corps. He went on to earn his M.Div. from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Master's in Leadership & Ethics from John Brown University.

2001–2011

Afghanistan & Iraq — Decorated Combat Service

Matt deployed in support of both the Afghanistan and Iraq campaigns. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, and nine awards of the Meritorious Service Medal. He is also Ranger and Master Parachutist qualified.

2014

Retired Colonel — Came Home to Arkansas

Matt completed his final assignment as III Corps Command Chaplain at Fort Hood, Texas, and retired as a Colonel after 30 years of active service. He returned home to Springdale with Amy to be near family — and to continue serving his community.

2026

Running for Arkansas House District 9

District 9 deserves a voice in Little Rock who has proven himself under pressure. Matt Goff is ready to bring that same integrity, discipline, and servant's heart to the Arkansas State House.

District 9’s Future Starts Now

Matt Goff spent 30 years serving this country. Now he’s asking to serve you. Whether you volunteer, donate, or simply spread the word — every action counts. Together, we’ll build an Arkansas that works for every family in District 9.

Donate Today Volunteer
Raised: $41,500 Goal: $75,000

847 patriots from across District 9 have contributed

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