Ken McCoolKen McCool

Republicans gerrymander at the state legislative level. That's how they hold power. There are 100 winnable seats in the South in 2026. With your help, we'll win these seats, protect representation for Black voters, and make it harder for Republicans to gerrymander. If you care about democracy, you care about the South.

Ken McCool is one of the competitive targets YALLvote has identified in the North Carolina State House, which is currently 71R-47D-2I. Click here to donate to Ken McCool.

Ken McCool has built a record of public service rooted in local leadership, accountability, and community engagement. A lifelong Matthews resident, small business owner, and former Matthews Town Commissioner, McCool began serving his community at age 21, becoming one of the youngest elected officials in North Carolina history. During three terms on the Town Council, including service as Mayor Pro Tem, he helped advance affordable housing, strengthen public safety, support smart growth, and secure major economic development projects, including an advanced manufacturing campus that will bring high-quality jobs to the region.

McCool believes effective government begins by listening to communities and delivering practical solutions that improve people’s everyday lives. Drawing on his experience in local government and as a small business owner, he is focused on strengthening public education, lowering costs for working families, preserving local decision-making, and ensuring state government remains accountable to the people it serves. His leadership reflects a belief that public office is about serving the public—not holding onto a title—and that communities thrive when elected officials remain accessible and responsive.

NCAAT in Action is proud to endorse Ken McCool because of his commitment to community-centered leadership, responsive government, and ensuring every North Carolinian has a meaningful voice in the decisions that affect their lives. McCool has expressed a sincere desire to build stronger relationships with North Carolina’s growing Asian American community and recognizes that inclusive representation begins with listening, learning, and engaging with communities that have too often been overlooked. His collaborative approach and dedication to public service reflect the values that guide NCAAT in Action’s work.

Ken McCool is a small business leader from Matthews running to flip a seat in the North Carolina House this November.