Matthew Hayes has a robust background in both military service and healthcare. He spent 11 years in the United States Air Force, including two tours in Afghanistan, before transitioning to a career in medicine. Hayes practiced Family Medicine and Sports Medicine for 17 years, gaining extensive experience in patient care. He moved to Spokane to attend Gonzaga Law School, expected to graduate in May 2026. This diverse experience lays a solid foundation for his current political aspirations.

Matthew Hayes combines a deep-seated skepticism of entrenched political systems with a surprising commitment to regional economic revitalization. He advocates for prioritizing patients over profits in healthcare, an unusual stance for someone with a military background. Hayes's approach to war, emphasizing it as a last resort, contrasts with his support for economic growth in Eastern Washington, revealing a complex ideological alignment. His focus on bridging partisan divides and combating disinformation further complicates his political identity, making his approach both intriguing and conceptually rich.