A Republican, McKean represented Colorado House of Representatives District 51, which encompasses Loveland and the surrounding area.

[3] Before his election as a state representative, McKean served as a city councilor in Loveland.

[4] McKean was elected house minority leader for the 73rd General Assembly and served from January 13, 2021, until his death in October 2022.

McKean died of a heart attack at his home on October 30, 2022, three days after his 55th birthday.

[5][6] At the time of his death, he was seeking a fourth term in the November 8, 2022, elections, and was unopposed on the ballot.