About Matt — McCoy for State Representative

My Rhode Island story started the way a lot of Navy stories do: with orders to Newport. I came to the Naval Academy Preparatory School as a young sailor — and Rhode Island gave me the two greatest gifts of my life: the foundation of a lifetime of service, and my wife, Deborah, who I met right there in Newport.

For twenty years, Deb and I served together as a Navy family, through deployments and duty stations around the world. And when it came time to retire from the Navy in 2004 and choose where to build the rest of our lives, it wasn't a hard decision. We came back to the place where our story began. We came home — to North Kingstown.

We raised our two children, Sarah and Alex, here. Both attended and graduated from North Kingstown High School. This town gave our family what every family deserves: good schools, safe neighborhoods, and a community worth belonging to. I've spent every year since trying to give back to it.

Matt in VFW dress meeting with U.S. Senator Jack Reed — Meeting with U.S. Senator Jack Reed as part of the VFW's legislative work for Rhode Island veterans.

A life of service, continued

As a dedicated advocate and public servant in North Kingstown, I've served:

Our veterans — as a Silver Legacy Life member of VFW North Kingstown Memorial Post 152, in elected statewide leadership of the Rhode Island VFW (State Adjutant, Junior Vice Commander, Senior Vice Commander), and now on the VFW's National Legislative Committee. I led the fight for the new state law protecting Rhode Island veterans from the predatory “claim sharks” who prey on their benefits. Governor Raimondo appointed me to lead Rhode Island's World War One Centennial Commission.
Our community's safety — as one of Rhode Island's most active Moms Demand Action volunteers, fighting for the gun-safety laws Rhode Island has passed in recent years: the assault-weapons ban, the high-capacity magazine ban, the red-flag law, and more.
Our neighbors — helping sponsor and support an Afghan refugee family after the fall of Kabul, and chairing North Kingstown's 350th anniversary celebration.
Our town — on the North Kingstown Town Council, where I've helped pass four straight balanced budgets, keep tax rates level, fully fund our schools and first responders, and deliver the new middle school and public-safety facilities our town waited decades for.

Why I'm running

I'm running for State Representative because the work isn't finished. The sludge plant proposed for Quonset threatens the community we love — I voted against it, and I intend to help stop it. Our schools, our first responders, our seniors, and our veterans need a State House that works as hard as they do.

I've never learned how to watch a fight that matters from the sidelines. I'd be honored to have your vote.

Rhode Island is my home.

A life of service, continued

Why I'm running