Meet Steven

Steven McCarty's story

Steven's story begins in Southeast Michigan, where he grew up in a close-knit family with his twin sister. Life took a challenging turn when Steven was just 14 years old; his father passed away, leaving his mother and grandmother to raise him and his sister. The family struggled financially, relying on food stamps and government assistance to make ends meet. These early experiences of hardship and resilience deeply shaped Steven's understanding of the struggles faced by underserved communities and ignited his passion for advocacy.

Growing up in poverty, Steven learned the value of hard work and the importance of community support. His lived experiences fueled his commitment to fight for those who are often overlooked and marginalized. This drive led him to dedicate his professional career to campaigning and electing Democrats who are committed to caring for their communities. Steven's journey in public service began in organized labor with the AFL-CIO in Michigan, where he worked tirelessly to advocate for workers' rights and ensure that their voices were heard.

Steven's passion for advocacy did not stop there. He transitioned into technology consulting for State Democratic Parties, leveraging his expertise to enhance their digital strategies and outreach efforts. His work in partnerships for political technology further solidified his reputation as a dedicated and innovative advocate for progressive causes. Steven's commitment to organized labor remained steadfast; he successfully organized his CWA union at his former company, continuing his fight for fair treatment and equitable labor practices.

The primary purpose of government is to care for the well-being of its citizens, and to faithfully deliver on its promises.

Steven’s commitment to service began early in his life. He was involved in volunteering through Kiwanis International, starting with Key Club in high school and continuing with Circle K International (CKI) in college. His leadership roles in Circle K International took him around the country and the world, helping college students organize community service projects in their communities. As an active member of the Kiwanis Club of Washington, D.C., Steven has served on its Board of Directors and as President. His proudest accomplishment was launching a partnership with SMYAL, providing a $100,000 annual grant for free mental health services to LGBTQ youth in D.C. This work earned him the Youth Champion Award in 2022 for his unwavering support of queer and trans youth. Steven’s dedication to philanthropy extends beyond Kiwanis. He has raised thousands for Experience Camps, supporting grieving children, and co-founded Abolish Racism after George Floyd’s murder, connecting concerned citizens with elected officials.

In addition to his professional achievements, Steven is proud of his personal journey as an LGBTQ individual. He found love in Washington, D.C., where he met his husband, Rich Villalon, on July 4, 2018. Together, they have built a loving home with their rescue dogs, Brody and Dallas, who were adopted from Lucky Dog Animal Rescue in Washington, D.C.

Steven believes that the primary purpose of government is to care for the well-being of its citizens and to faithfully deliver on its promises. This belief drives his commitment to ensuring that the government works diligently to address the needs of our community members, regardless of their background or circumstances.

As your Commissioner, Steven McCarty has worked tirelessly to foster community engagement, enhance safety, and ensure a welcoming environment for all. Since being elected, he has successfully implemented numerous community initiatives, advocated for local businesses, and prioritized neighborhood safety. Steven’s leadership has been pivotal in addressing key issues and bringing positive change to our community.

As Steven McCarty continues his campaign for re-election as Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner for 2G04, he invites you to join him in shaping a future where Washington, D.C. thrives as a safe, vibrant, and united community. His story is one of resilience, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to service—a story that continues to inspire and mobilize those around him to strive for a better, more inclusive future. Vote Steven McCarty for Commissioner this November. Together, we can make a difference.