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Lobbying & Communications

Campaign Consulting & Management

Grassroots Organizing & Coalition Building

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Current & Former Clients

Associa: HOA Property Management Services
Association of Electric Companies of Texas
AT&T
B.E. Wilson Corporation
CLL Municipal Utility District No. 1
Capitol Land & Livestock Company
Cintra US Services
Coalition for Responsible Infrastructure Finance
Corn Hill Regional Water Authority
DIRECTV
Dish Network
El Veredicto, LP
Ferrovial Agroman US Corp.
Formosa Plastics Corporation, Texas
Friends of the San Saba
GBK Properties
General Cigar Company
G&H Ranch Interests
Houston Region Business Coalition
Incode Technologies
J&M Premier Services
KK-125 Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation
KinderCare Learning Companies
Kronos Incorporated
L.L.B. Ranch
Landowners Coalition of Texas
LaRue Tactical
Las Vegas Sands
Max Midstream
Nasdaq
NRG Energy
Oil City Iron Works
Pedernales Electric Cooperative
Republic Services
Rivian Automotive
San Jose Water Group Texas
Schwertner Farms
Secure our Seniors Safety
Sonterra Municipal Utility District
Swedish Match
Texans for Lawsuit Reform
Texas Association of Realtors
Texas Consumer Lenders
Texas Central Rail Holdings
Texas Deer Association
Texas Electric Transportation Resources Alliance
Texas Independent Producers & Royalty Owners Association
Texas Mineral Resources Corp.
Texas Oil & Gas Association
Texas Partnership for Out of School Time (TXPOST)
Texas Rare Earth Resources
Texas Self Insurance Association
Texas Wine Growers
The Grandor Corporation
Upper Neches River Municipal Water Authority
USA Rare Earth
Waste Control Specialists
Waste Management of Texas
WBW Development Group
William Chris Vineyards
WilliamsRDM
WineCub

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Matthew Bentley

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Matthew Bentley is a lobbyist and political consultant with a proven track record in public positioning, issue management and government relations. His success is the product of extensive relationships with elected officials and staff throughout the legislative and executive branches as well as regulatory agencies. A native of East Texas, he was recently named a Top Ten “Rising Star” lobbyist by Capitol Inside, a bi-partisan publication covering Texas politics and government.

Matthew is widely acclaimed for his work in political campaigns throughout Texas and the United States. He began his campaign work with Commissioner Todd Staples’ statewide Agriculture Commissioner campaign and Governor Rick Perry’s 2010 gubernatorial and 2012 presidential races. In 2018, he had a 100 percent win rate consulting for Cody Harris’ campaign for the Texas House of Representatives, U.S. Congressman Lance Gooden’s open-seat race for Congress and judicial races throughout East Texas. He also served as Campaign Manager for State Representative Byron Cook’s successful 2016 campaign for re-election – one of the highest-profile and most seriously contested races of that cycle.

During the 81st Legislative Session (2009), Matthew worked for Commissioner Todd Staples at the Texas Department of Agriculture, as the Commission underwent the Sunset review process. In 2015, Matthew expanded his legislative experience by serving as Legislative & District Director for House State Affairs Committee Chairman, Byron Cook.

Matthew currently consults for companies, associations, special purpose districts and non-profit organizations in Texas, specializing in environmental management, energy and utility regulations, private property interests, natural resources, infrastructure, technology, economic development, taxation and finance issues. He also has significant experience in alcohol, insurance, procurement, gaming and local government matters. Matthew’s work has resulted in public policy development and implementation, strategy formulation with key government officials and improved communication between legislative and business leaders at the highest level.

Matthew began lobbying independently during the 83rd Legislative Session (2013). Among his clients are the nation’s largest telecommunications company, one of the world’s top stock market exchanges, the largest electric cooperative in the country, a mining operation, a Class A water utility, a conservative tort reform organization, several technology companies, the world’s largest gaming company, various landowner groups, the largest trade association in Texas, several Texas wineries and a non-profit cancer research foundation.

Before launching his practice, Matthew contracted with Reggie Bashur, Cliff Johnson, Clay Pope and Luis Saenz during the 82nd Texas Legislature (2011) to help serve and represent their clients’ broad range of interests before the Texas Legislature and agencies throughout the state. Matthew also served as Business Development Manager for Procurement Strategy Group, Inc., where he helped companies target and win projects with federal, state and local governments.

Matthew presently serves on the advisory council for Texan by Nature, a non-profit organization founded by Former First Lady Laura Bush, which focuses on safeguarding the environment with respect to private property interests and economic development. He remains involved with the Texas GOP’s Mighty Texas Strike Force and served as the group’s Virginia Co-Captain for the 2016 Presidential Election. He is a proud graduate of The University of Texas at Austin.

Lauren Fleming

Lauren Fleming is a lobbyist and consultant with over 15 years of experience in the Texas legislature and government affairs.

Most recently, Lauren was the Policy Advisor on Business and Commerce to Lt. Governor Dan Patrick. She advised the Lt. Governor and senior staff regarding policy, legislation and budget issues since he was elected in 2014. She works closely with Texas legislators and their staff, as well as state agencies, to craft, amend, pass, implement and enact legislation. Since Winter Storm Uri in 2021, Lauren focused on identifying and evaluating the problems with the Texas electric grid and recommending and executing solutions to improve it.

Before her role advising the Lt. Governor on Business and Commerce issues, Lauren was his advisor on Criminal Justice. She also served in his Texas Senate office as General Counsel during the 83 rd legislative session. Prior to working in the Texas Senate, Lauren began her career at the Texas Legislature working as General Counsel and Legislative Director to Texas House Representative Dennis Bonnen.

During her tenure working for the Texas Legislature, Lauren had experience advising on a broad portfolio of policy issues including electricity, property and casualty insurance, health insurance, alcohol, housing, development, real estate, banking and finance, licensing, telecommunications, cybersecurity, technology, oil and gas, automobiles, higher education, transportation and criminal justice. She also worked closely on the budget and overseeing the Sunset process of several agencies.

She also has previous experience in government affairs and advocacy. Lauren worked for the Texas Oil and Gas Association while in law school during the 81 st legislative session and worked for the Texas Association of Builders immediately after college during the 80 th legislative session.

Lauren was born in Dallas and grew up in Tennessee. She attended the University of Tennessee for undergrad and graduated with a degree in International Relations and Diplomacy. She then returned to Texas and attended The University of Texas School of Law. She bleeds both shades of orange. Lauren is a member of the Texas Bar; she is a partner at her church in Austin; she leads a Young Life small group of college seniors; she is on the Nightlight Christian Adoptions Advisory Board; she is a mentor to a law student through the University of Texas Law Mentor Program; and she serves on the Texas Law Alumni Association Regional Committee. Lauren lives in Austin with her husband, Alex, and their son, Drew.

 
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  • I truly enjoy working with Matthew. He is a great Texan.
    — Katharine Armstrong
    Founder of Natural Resource Solutions LC
    Former Texas Parks & Wildlife Commissioner
  • In the heat of the campaign battle you want Matthew in the trench with you. He is an elite ‘SEAL Team Six’ campaign manager.
    — Bryan Epstein
    Political Consultant & Founder of The Epstein Group
  • Matthew is an honorable and trustworthy friend.
    — Byron Cook
    State Representative
  • Matthew is always on top of the latest issues. He delivers results in a professional and enjoyable manner.
    — Stephanie Newell
    Former Director of Government Affairs, NRG
  • Matthew Bentley was critical in taking the lead for our organization’s interactions at TCEQ and with members of the legislature. He was vital to building our foundation.
    — Charlie Granstaff
    President, Friends of the San Saba
  • I have had the pleasure of working with Matthew since 2010. He is a great asset to any team.
    — Chris Macomb
    Government Affairs Director, Waste Management Inc.
  • Matthew is a strong advocate for private property rights. I have enjoyed working with him on behalf of landowners across the state.
    — Ben Love, Jr.
    President, Landowners Coalition of Texas
  • Matthew has a strong work ethic and gets things done in the capitol and on the campaign trail.
    — Todd Staples
    President, Texas Oil & Gas Association
    Former Texas Commissioner of Agriculture, State Senator and State Representative
  • It is a pleasure to work alongside Matthew. His positive attitude and leadership are very important to our organization’s mission.
    — Erin O’Neil Franz
    Executive Director, Texan by Nature
  • Matthew is a great asset to the State of Texas and a longtime friend
    — Rick Perry
    U.S. Secretary of Energy
    Former Governor of Texas
  • Of his campaign manager, Matthew Bentley, Cook said, "He did a fabulous job for me. He’s a hard working, dedicated young man. I am very proud of Matthew Bentley."
    — Byron Cook
    State Representative
    Palestine Herald Press, March 2, 2016
  • Matthew’s hard work and success have made the folks back in East Texas very proud. I call on Matthew any time I need help in Austin.
    — Elton Bomer
    Former Secretary of State, Texas Commissioner of Insurance & State Representative

512-496-1085
mb@mbentley.us
twitter: @mbent9
1220 Colorado Street, Suite 450
Austin, Texas 78701