Kenneth John Mccool

Ken McCool is the Democratic candidate for the North Carolina House of Representatives, District 105, on the November 3, 2026 ballot. The seat is part of the state’s lower legislative chamber, which enacts laws, adopts the budget, and represents the interests of constituents in its district ¹.

A lifelong resident of Matthews, McCool entered public service at age 21, becoming one of the youngest elected officials in North Carolina history when he won a seat on the Matthews Town Council. He has been re‑elected to the council multiple times, most recently appearing on the 2019 town‑council ballot where he received 9.3 % of the vote among six at‑large seats ¹. In his council role, McCool has focused on affordable housing, public safety, and what he describes as “smart growth.” According to his campaign website, he helped deliver the town’s largest park investment in a generation and assisted in recruiting a major advanced‑manufacturing campus that promises high‑paying jobs for the region ¹⁶. The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee profile adds that he has worked to increase affordable housing and bring economic opportunities to his community while serving on the council ¹³.

Outside elected office, McCool runs a family‑owned small business, positioning himself as a “small business leader” in the district. His campaign messaging emphasizes dedication to working‑family issues, public‑education funding, and opposition to policies that favor private‑school vouchers at the expense of public schools ¹. The Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey records his stance on public‑education reform and other policy priorities ¹.

McCool’s 2026 campaign is being supported by the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, which highlights his goal of flipping the District 105 seat from its Republican incumbent, Tricia Cotham, who won the Republican primary earlier in March 2026 ¹³¹⁸. The primary for the Democratic side was canceled, leaving McCool as the party’s sole nominee ¹.

While some local commentary has criticized McCool’s development record, describing him as aligned with developers and accusing him of “selling out” residents, these viewpoints are part of the public discourse surrounding his candidacy and do not reflect official campaign positions ¹⁵.

If elected, McCool would join the 120‑member House, where he would be expected to vote on state legislation, serve on committees, and advocate for the needs of District 105 constituents, continuing the policy themes he has championed on the town council and in his campaign platform.

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