[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 119 (Tuesday, July 21, 2026)]
[House]
[Page H4688]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING CHRISTOPHER DOYLE MATTHEWS

  (Mr. Keating of Massachusetts was recognized to address the House for 
5 minutes.)
  Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of 
Christopher Doyle Matthews, a friend and longtime member of my staff. 
We were devastated to have learned just a few weeks ago of his passing.
  Chris was born in Boston on December 15, 1989, to Richard and Mary-
Ellen Matthews and was proudly raised in Scituate, Massachusetts. He 
grew up loving boats and the water, his parents' classic rock and roll 
music, and politics.
  When columnist Mary McGrory famously observed that ``every baby born 
in Massachusetts is born with a campaign manager's gene,'' she could 
have very well been inspired by Chris.
  With political instincts that were second to none, Chris was a go-to 
organizer in Massachusetts politics. He was, without question, one of 
the Commonwealth's sharpest political minds, a true generational 
talent.

                              {time}  1030

  Even at a young age, there are not many candidates from the South 
Shore of Massachusetts who did not seek out Chris' help or his opinion. 
He served as the chair of the South Shore Democratic Caucus, and as a 
Democratic leader with the Massachusetts State Committee, the Plymouth 
County League, and several South Shore town committees in 
Massachusetts. Candidates and voters alike trusted Chris because of his 
belief that government can change people's lives for the better.
  Chris' untimely and sudden death has sent shock waves through our 
congressional family. He served in various positions with us for a 
decade and a half. He started as a 20-year-old volunteer on my first 
campaign for Congress and, over time, moved to be my district outreach 
and communications director when he passed away suddenly and untimely 
at the age of 36.
  At a time in America when some have doubts and when hope can seem 
remote, remember Chris Matthews if you ever begin to lose faith in this 
country.
  Remember that Chris was more than a congressional aide. He took the 
belief that through our actions, we can all bring forth needed change, 
and he brought it with him through many interstate bus rides to canvass 
distant pivotal States and to the doors of the families he inspired.
  Remember through his example that public service is a genuinely noble 
vocation. As a trusted member of our office, he helped countless 
veterans, families, and those who could not advocate for themselves.
  Remember his laugh and his wry, often biting, humor, insightfully 
contrasting the way things are to the way things should be. Remember 
his authentic belief that in this country, people can bring about 
progress and meaningful change. It was real to him, and his sincerity 
shone through.
  I imagine if Chris wanted us to remember anything, it would be that 
he was a loving partner and father figure to Molly and Eli, that he was 
a compassionate and reliable son and brother, and that he was the most 
steadfast of loyal friends.
  Though we wish we had more time with him, his memory will continue to 
give us faith that one person can significantly make better the lives 
of all those around him, and all of us in our office certainly know 
this to be true.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have known Chris Matthews and to honor his 
life. I ask my colleagues to join with me in recognizing his commitment 
to this institution and to the people of Massachusetts. May his memory 
be a blessing.

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