2026 General Election: November 3, 2026. New info launches early October.
Ken McCool
Party:
Democrat
Incumbent:
No
Age:
Approximately 28
Previous experience in elected office:
Matthews Town Board of Commissioners (2019 - 2025); former Matthews Mayor Pro Tem
Occupation:
President, sports memorabilia business
Description:
McCool has served on the Matthews Town Board of Commissioners for several years and says he has been an advocate of affordable housing, public safety and smart growth. He says he helped bring the Hendrick Advanced Manufacturing Campus to Matthews. He recently published an editorial criticizing N.C. legislators for punishing Mecklenburg County taxpayers for voting against the I-77 tolls.
Other personal:
McCool says he is a lifelong Matthews resident and was first appointed to the Matthews Town Board of Commissioners when he was 21, which made him one of the youngest lawmakers in the state. He runs a sports memorabilia business with his father. He attended Providence High School and Central Piedmont Community College.