Hi there. 👋

I’m Matt McDermott, a Democratic pollster and communications strategist.

I’m a Senior Vice President at Whitman Insight Strategies (WINS), where for more than a decade I’ve helped political candidates, issue advocacy organizations, and brands make strategic decisions, tell their stories, and grow using research-backed insights.

My work in messaging strategy and targeting research has contributed to key political victories and impact across issue areas including public health, labor, civil rights, democracy reform, and youth civic engagement. My work on veteran suicide prevention was recognized with a 2022 ARF David Ogilvy Award.

I’ve also spent more than a decade helping elect history-making LGBTQ+ leaders. I serve on the Board of Directors for the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund, and previously co-chaired the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund Campaign Board, supporting efforts to build political power and representation for the LGBTQ+ community. In 2024, I launched Out for Harris–Walz in Rhode Island, organizing volunteers to bring people-power to critical battleground states.

I also serve on the board of Men4Choice, which works to activate, educate, and mobilize male allies as active partners in the fight for reproductive freedom.

In addition to my research and advocacy work, I’m a frequent print and television commentator, with hundreds of media appearances including The Washington Post, BBC Newshour, The Nation, Politico, Vice, and Vox. I previously co-hosted a nationally syndicated political talk show on Free Speech TV.

In 2025, I ran for Providence City Council in a fast-paced special election focused on strengthening neighborhoods, improving public schools, and ensuring the city’s growth benefits everyone who calls Providence home. While we fell short, the experience deepened my commitment to fighting for the future of the community my family and I love.

I’m proud to be active in the Providence community. My husband, Dillon, teaches second grade at Pleasant View Elementary and serves on the Providence Public Library Board of Trustees. We’ve made our home in Providence with our dog, Theo, and our cat, Yuca and can often be found at our local bookstores, coffee shops, and neighborhood restaurants.

I hold a BA in political science and geography, with a minor in public policy, from The George Washington University, and studied government at the London School of Economics through the General Course. I’m a RIVA-trained qualitative research moderator with extensive experience facilitating focus groups, in-depth interviews, and ethnographic research.

Want to chat, work together, or just meet to grab coffee? Get in touch.