Ken McCool is a lifelong Matthews resident, elected official, and president of a family-run small business. First elected at just 21, He became one of the youngest elected officials in NC history. He has spent years fighting for affordable housing, public safety, and smart growth. Ken helped deliver the town’s largest park investment in a generation and helped recruit a major advanced manufacturing campus that will bring high-paying jobs to the region. He married his high school sweetheart, Samantha, in 2024, and they are proud to call Matthews home.

• Born and raised in Matthews and a proud graduate of Providence High School

• Elected to the Matthews Town Board at 21, making him one of the youngest elected officials in North Carolina history

• Has served multiple terms, including time as Mayor Pro Tem

• Focused on delivering real results like expanding housing options, improving public safety, and securing the biggest investment in town parks in decades

• Helped bring the Hendrick Advanced Manufacturing Campus to Matthews, this will create new jobs and long-term economic opportunity for the region

• Runs a family sports card shop with his dad - Ken’s Sports Cards and Collectibles

• Represents Matthews on several important regional and education-focused boards and committees, including:

  • Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization (CRTPO)
  • Matthews Committee on Education
  • CMS Community Capital and Bond Committee
  • Centralina Regional Council

Married his high school sweetheart, Samantha, in 2024. They live in Matthews and are proud to call it home