Introduction
Matthew W. "Matt" McCoy (born March 29, 1966) is the Iowa State Senator from the 21st District, which is composed of south and southwest Des Moines. A member of the Iowa Democratic Party, McCoy has served in the Iowa Senate since 1997. Prior to his service in the Iowa Senate, McCoy served in the Iowa House of Representatives from 1993-1997.
McCoy is the first openly gay member of the Iowa Legislature.
Biography
McCoy graduated from Dowling High School, and received his B.A. from Briar Cliff College in political science. McCoy serves as Vice President of Community Development, Downtown Development Corporation, and as President of Resource Development Consultants.
McCoy was a member of the Polk County Conservation Board from 1988 to 1995. He became an Eagle Scout in 1981. He is a member of the Interfaith Alliance, IPERS Investment Board member, and an ex officio member of the Capitol Planning Commission.
Iowa House and Senate
McCoy currently serves on several committees in the Iowa Senate – the committees on commerce, local government, transportation, appropriations (of which he is vice chair), and ways and means (which he also vice chairs). In addition, he serves as chair of the appropriations committee subcommittee on transportation, infrastructure, and capitals appropriations.
His prior political experience includes serving as a representative in the Iowa House of Representatives from 1993 to 1997 and serving on the
McCoy was re-elected in 2006 with 13,276 votes (66%), defeating Republican opponent Nicholas G. van Patten, and again in 2010.
On March 14, 2007 McCoy was indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly violating the Hobbs Act. On December 13, 2007, he was found not guilty after two hours of deliberations.
Personal life
McCoy is openly gay and was the first openly gay member of the Iowa General Assembly. McCoy's 2006 and 2010 re-election campaigns won the backing of the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund.
McCoy has one son, Jack, and worships at Plymouth Congregational Church.