About Matt Adams

Matt Adams is a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the JAG Corps of the US Army Reserve and will bring extensive federal government experience from both his military and civilian occupations to the role of Congressman. Matt has served his hometown, the State of NJ and the United States of America for his entire adult life and wants to continue serving as your congressman in the 12th.

Political Experience

Matt Adams had the honor of serving two terms on the Middlesex Borough Council, including appointments as Council President, Fire Commissioner, and Finance Chair. He was part of the Democratic team that brought flood protection to Middlesex, unlocking tens of millions in federal and state funding to protect the community. Matt also served as a Middlesex County Democratic Committeeperson and continues to advise local leaders on ways to improve life in Middlesex Borough.

Military Service

Matt retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve’s JAG Corps, wrapping up a 30-year military career in 2015 that included time in the New Jersey Army National Guard, the IRR, and 14 years as a JAG officer in the Army Reserve.

After 9/11, Matt was mobilized twice to support critical missions. Matt ensured that all the soldier's legal affairs were in order, including Wills and Powers of Attorney, so that soldiers could focus on the battlefield, rather than their family at home. Matt also served as a Trial Counsel, where he helped commanders uphold discipline and enforce the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

Matt's military journey started back in 1985, when he completed Basic Training. Two years later, after graduating from Army ROTC at Rutgers University, Matt was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Signal Corps. He spent his early years on active duty with the NJ Army National Guard, helping roll out a new battlefield communications system at the 250th Signal Battalion, a Plainfield, NJ-based unit.

Professional Career

Outside the military, Matt built a career as a federal government contracts attorney in the defense technology sector. It was a natural fit, blending his legal expertise with the leadership and insight gained from the Army. For 10 years, Matt held a Top-Secret clearance, working on sensitive and mission-critical government projects.

Matt also spent four years as a fundraiser at Rutgers University, helping raise millions of dollars. Some of his proudest contributions included fundraising efforts for Rutgers’ adult autism center, Veterans programs, and more.

Community Involvement

For the past 15 years, Matt has been a proud member of the John W. Lupu American Legion Memorial Post 306, where he served as Commander for two years and First Vice Commander for four. After devastation from Hurricane Ida in 2021, Matt led the effort to rebuild the entire post. As a Legionnaire, Matt has helped countless Veterans with issues ranging from home repair, to resolving legal issues, to placement in nursing facilities.

Matt also serves as the President of the Arc Foundation of Somerset County, a role he has held for five years. He worked closely with the Arc team to enhance programming, maintain strong compliance standards, and advocate for better services for the special needs community. One of his proudest moments? Building four new cabins at Camp Jotoni, giving more individuals a chance to experience the joy of summer camp.

Family

Matt, the proud father of three amazing sons, has shared custody and raised them with love, resilience, and dedication. One of Matt's sons has significant disabilities, and advocating for him became a major part of Matt's life. He's filed multiple Due Process claims to fight for his son's education and challenge the system when it failed to meet his needs. Matt's advocacy helped improve the District's special education program, not just that of his son.

Matt's son Trevor graduated from Rutgers, and Trevor's twin, Tower - his name honors those lost on 9/11 - is thriving in a wonderful adult program for individuals with disabilities. Matt's youngest son Nate is in his third year at TCNJ, where he is studying Finance, and is Captain of the Men's Track Team.

Over the years, Matt coached or helped coach more than 20 youth sports teams, being part of their lives on and off the field has been one of his greatest joys.

Matt has spent the last 12 years with Janine Purcaro, an incredible partner and leader. She currently works in Princeton, NJ, as a Chief Operating Officer for a non-profit institution, and is the proud mom of adult twins who are now starting families of their own.