Ken McCool

Ken McCool (Democratic Party) is running for election to the North Carolina House of Representatives to represent District 105. He is on the ballot in the general election on November 3, 2026. The Democratic primary for this office on March 3, 2026, was canceled.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a lifelong Matthews resident and former Matthews Town Commissioner. A proud graduate of Providence High School, I began my service on the Matthews Town Board at the age of 21, becoming one of the youngest elected officials in North Carolina history. I served 3 terms on the Matthews Town Board, including one as the Mayor Pro Tem. On the board, I spent years fighting for affordable housing, public safety, and smart growth. Focused on delivering real results, I helped bring an advanced manufacturing campus to Matthews, which will create numerous high-paying jobs, and delivered the town’s largest park investment in a generation. I also run my own small business selling sports cards and use my knowledge in that area to support other local small businesses. If elected, I will use my experience serving Matthews to fight for my constituents in Raleigh, prioritizing public education, lowering costs, and working for the district, not against them.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Public Education:

North Carolina legislators have betrayed our public education system by slashing funding and instead, promoting unregulated private school vouchers that leave public schools and rural communities behind. Our teachers are overworked, underpaid, and aren’t getting adequate support. Regardless of zip code, our children deserve a public education system that allows them to succeed and build a future for themselves. If elected, I will stand up for schools and work tirelessly to revive our education system.Affordability:

Prices are steadily rising while sales taxes increase, yet wages remain the same. With our current state legislators unable to pass a budget, Mecklenburg County has had to step in to make up the difference to ensure our education system, our law enforcement, and basic services can continue to operate. This inevitably comes with property tax increases. Our constituents are having to pay more to make up for the lack of urgency from the state. I will fight to pass a budget and for economic prosperity to all North Carolinians.Accountability:

Accountability is at the core of what I believe public service should be. Elected officials should be visible, accessible, and responsive to the people they represent. When someone calls or walks into the office, they deserve the respect of being heard. Serving constituents is not an extra part of the job, it is the job. Leadership means being out in the community on a regular basis, listening and engaging directly with people. It means staying connected to their day to day realities and making sure their concerns are reflected in the decisions we make. It also means standing in front of the people you serve, even when you make a decision they disagree with, and being willing to answer for it.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I care deeply about funding public schools in North Carolina. Every student deserves a well resourced classroom, supported teachers, and real opportunities no matter their zip code. For too long, schools have been asked to do more with less, and that shows up in overcrowded classrooms, underpaid teachers, and limited support.

When I served on the Matthews Town Council, passing a budget was a responsibility. If we didn’t get it done, our first responders didn’t get paid and essential services were at risk. NC has not passed a state budget in almost 2 years, putting public schools, healthcare, and essential services at risk. This affects every family, so it deserves our real focus.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Carolina Forward

Now or Never NC

Work for Democracy NC

NCAE

State Senator Woodson Bradley

State Representative Terry Brown

State Representative Julia Greenfield

State Representative Laura Budd

State Representative Brandon Lofton

State Representative Jordan Lopez

State Representative Vernetta Alston

Former Congressman Wiley Nickel

Matthews Mayor John Higdon

Matthews Mayor Pro Tem Susan Chambers

Matthews Commissioner John Urban

Matthews Commissioner Brian Hacker

Former Matthews Commissioner and Reverend Larry Whitley

Former Matthews Mayor Pro Tem Renee Garner

Charlotte City Councilwoman Kimberly Owens

Ken McCool did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2019 Candidate Connection survey.