Seeking to become the first non-binary individual to be elected to the New York State Legislature, Matthew Mackey is a candidate for the 101st Assembly seat.
If elected, Mackey would replace incumbent Brian Miller (R,I,C-New Hartford) who would lose the Wallkill Valley and surrounding communities in the recent redistricting process. Miller is running for re-election in the new 122nd Assembly district, which includes parts of Oneida, Herkimer, Madison and Otsego Counties.
“I am humbled and overjoyed to accept the endorsements of the Ulster and Orange County Democratic Committees, the Working Families Party, the National Association of Social Workers- NYS Chapter, and the Town of Montgomery Democratic Committees,” Mackey said. “Thank you so much for your recognition and support of our campaign to finally give a voice to District 101. For too long this District has been represented by individuals who haven’t brought meaningful change for families in over a decade. That changes here and now. Today, we take the step together to make Assembly District 101 and New York State a place that works for everyone. Thank you for your support and let’s get out there and do this!”
He has also picked up endorsements from the Town of Shawangunk Democratic Committee and former State Senator Jen Metzger
Mackey, who will face Town of Montgomery Supervisor Brian Maher is the general election, is seeking to serve in the 101st Assembly District which includes the Orange County Towns of Montgomery, Crawford and Hamptonburgh, and the Ulster County Towns of Shawangunk and Wawarsing. The district also includes the Orange County town of Blooming Grove and parts of the Town of Goshen. The district then flows north to include parts of Ulster County (Town of Wawarsing, Town of Rochester, Town of Denning, Town of Hardenburgh), Sullivan County (Town of Neversink), Delaware County (Town of Andes, Town of Hamden, Town of Franklin), Otsego County (Town of Otego, Town of Laurens, Town of Morris, Town of Pittsfield, Town of Edmeston) and Madison County (Town of Brookfield).
“For the last decade, District 101 has been one of the most gerrymandered districts in New York State, never allowing for the full representation of the residents who live here and having a representative effectively be able to advocate for the district,” Mackey said.
Mackey, who uses the pronouns Xe, Xem and Xis, is a native of Poughkeepsie. Xe spent time in both Bloomingburg and a quaint little apple farm called Mackey Farms in Milton, where xis grandfather and uncle grew apples and raised goats and other livestock. According to Xis bio, Xe learned basic American sign language since both parents are deaf.
In 4th grade, Mackey won a disability awareness art contest for New York State and advocated for sign language interpreters at school functions. As a teenager, Matthew discovered xis love of music and theater. Xe attended SUNY Fredonia before transferring to Marymount Manhattan College (MMC) in 2007 to pursue a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theater, minoring in Musical Theater.
Matthew has been an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community since xe was an undergraduate at Marymount Manhattan College. In fact, xe created the first LGBTQ+ student organization on Marymount’s campus in 2008. The following year, xe helped organize Marymount students to attend the National Equality March in Washington, D.C.
In 2011, Matthew petitioned on behalf of a binational same-sex married couple facing deportation. Xe was able to garner more than 20,000 signatures, and the petition was sent to President Barack Obama. They were able to win the fight, and the couple was allowed to remain in the country.
Xe worked in different patient representative positions before becoming an adviser for families who have children with special needs. Xe advocated on their behalf to insurance companies, providers and billing companies. Aside from being a family adviser, Mackey also volunteered for organizations, animal sanctuaries, food pantries and LGBTQ+ community centers.
Mackey said xe became politically active following the 2016 elections and decided to pursue a master’s degree in social work from Adelphi University, which xe will finish in 2022.
According to xis website, Mackey prides xemself on being a dragtivist (Drag Queen Activist), whose drag persona is Carbie Wantaciao. Xe helps make changes in the LGBTQ+ community one performance at a time.