Shelby N Campbell

[{"question": "Ballotpedia survey responses", "answer_html": "<p>See also: <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a></p>\n<div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-10 col-md-6 col-xs-offset-1 col-md-offset-3\"><p><a href=\"https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\"><img align=\"middle\" alt=\"Candidate Connection\" src=\"https://cdn.ballotpedia.org/images/8/88/Candidate_Connection_Logo.png\" width=\"90%\"/></a></p></div></div>\n<p>Shelby Campbell completed <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a> survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Campbell's responses.</p>\n<p><span class=\"expand-all\">Expand all</span> | <span class=\"collapse-all\">Collapse all</span></p>\n<div aria-multiselectable=\"true\" class=\"panel-group\" id=\"accordion\" role=\"tablist\"><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-356393-2025-07-08\" id=\"heading-bio-356393-2025-07-08\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-356393-2025-07-08\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-356393-2025-07-08\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho are you? Tell us about yourself.\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-bio-356393-2025-07-08\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-356393-2025-07-08\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tMy name is Shelby Campbell. I’m a proud autoworker and a third-generation member of the United Auto Workers (UAW), with deep roots in the labor movement on both sides of my family. I graduated from Wayne State University with a degree in Political Science, and I’ve completed half of my legal education at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law.\r\n<p>In addition to my work in the auto industry, I’ve spent years working in the service sector as a server and bartender. I’m also an advocate for workers' rights, especially for those in industries that are often overlooked or underrepresented.\r\n</p>\nI grew up in Rockford, Illinois, and relocated to Michigan during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since moving here, I’ve found stability and a strong sense of purpose, both as a mother to my two young boys—whom I proudly breastfed—and as an engaged community member.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-356393-2025-07-08\" id=\"heading-key-message-356393-2025-07-08\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-356393-2025-07-08\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-356393-2025-07-08\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tPlease list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-key-message-356393-2025-07-08\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-356393-2025-07-08\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>1. Youth, Families &amp; Community:\r\nWe must prioritize youth, education reform, and family accountability. Too many parents aren't taking responsibility, and it shows in future generations. I want to build stronger communities by making public transportation free, expanding bike access, and protecting neighborhoods from corporate buyouts. The \"American Dream\" has been sold as success, but it’s just capitalism. We need self-sufficient, people-centered communities that prioritize people over profit.</li><li>2. Prison Reform &amp; Mental Health:\r\nOur justice system needs real reform. Many people end up in prison due to untreated mental health issues and addiction. We need accountability—not just for individuals, but also for systems designed to divide and harm us. The systems after the Civil Rights Act were intentionally built to keep marginalized people down. We must end this cycle, push for federal marijuana legalization, and focus on healing, not punishment.</li><li>3. Peace, Equity &amp; Anti-Capitalism:\r\nThe systems we live under benefit the elite while keeping working people struggling. We are taught to fight each other instead of fighting oppression. I want to empower people to break out of capitalism’s grip and fight for peace, not war. We deserve a society where everyone has equal opportunities, not just those with wealth or power. Once you see how the system works, you can’t unsee it—and I want to help others open their eyes.</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-356393-2025-07-08\" id=\"heading1-356393-2025-07-08\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-356393-2025-07-08\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-356393-2025-07-08\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading1-356393-2025-07-08\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-356393-2025-07-08\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI’m passionate about labor rights, education reform, prison and justice system reform, and housing justice. I care deeply about working families, protecting children, and rebuilding strong, self-sufficient communities.<br/><br/>\n<p>I fight for accessible and affordable public transportation, protections against corporate land grabs, and policies that empower working-class people—not the wealthy elite.<br/><br/>\r\nI also advocate for mental health care, addiction support, and ending the cycles of incarceration that target marginalized communities. We need systems that heal, not harm.<br/><br/>\n</p>\nAt the core of all my work is accountability—whether it’s parents, corporations, or government systems. I believe in equity, honesty, and putting people before profit.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-356393-2025-07-08\" id=\"heading2-356393-2025-07-08\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse2-356393-2025-07-08\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-356393-2025-07-08\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tIs there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading2-356393-2025-07-08\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse2-356393-2025-07-08\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI recommend reading books about other people’s lives and experiences—especially non-fiction. Growing up in a mostly white area in the early 2000s, I heard a lot of awful things about people of color. Even though I didn’t agree, those biases were embedded in my environment. It wasn’t until I started reading more and taking sociology and philosophy classes at Wayne State that I began to fully unpack it.<br/><br/>\r\nOne of my professors—who was also a tired parent like me—cried during class after the Oxford school shooting. He cared deeply about people, and the way he explained political theory helped me see why our society feels stuck. We’ve allowed bad people to stay in power too long, and it shows. Books like Persepolis, We Have Always Been Here, and All Boys Aren’t Blue deeply shaped me. They opened my eyes to injustice and resilience. Another professor, who taught philosophy of human rights, helped me understand how society often takes better care of the elderly than the youth—and how, historically, communities had to decide how to distribute resources when someone could no longer contribute. That really shifted my perspective on fairness and who gets prioritized in society. The more you listen to real stories, the more you understand why things need to change. You can’t stay ignorant when you face the truth about others’ lives.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-356393-2025-07-08\" id=\"heading3-356393-2025-07-08\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse3-356393-2025-07-08\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-356393-2025-07-08\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading3-356393-2025-07-08\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse3-356393-2025-07-08\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI believe the most important characteristics of an elected official are transparency, honesty, passion, empathy, and accountability. I will never lie to win votes or to hold power—period. People who know me know that I will always stand up for what’s right, even if it costs me personally. I don’t believe in compromising with injustice or corruption. I will always stand firm on my beliefs, because we can’t keep allowing the same broken systems to thrive while regular people suffer.<br/><br/>\n<p>I’m disgusted that elected officials are allowed to buy stock while in office. You can’t serve the people when you’re profiting off corporate interests. And in America, corporations are treated like people—something I believe needs to change immediately.<br/><br/>\r\nI want people to feel inspired by my campaign and know they can create change, no matter what they’ve been through. I’ve survived a lot, and I’m here to prove that you don’t have to be rich or well-connected to make a difference.<br/><br/>\r\nI’m deeply inspired by women in politics and culture who speak up and fight back—leaders like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Jasmine Crockett, Rashida Tlaib, and Governor Gretchen Whitmer. I also find strength in women from music like Megan Thee Stallion—because she has been through so much, stood strong, and still remains the baddest—she’s gotten me through so much personally. And Cardi B, because I feel her on being a mom, being judged, going through betrayal, and still standing tall when people try to tear her down. People like them remind me that most couldn’t even handle a mile in our shoes.<br/><br/>\n</p>\nI also admire Michelle and Barack Obama, especially Michelle’s message that “when they go low, we go high.” As a vegetarian and a mom, I appreciate her work on healthier food for kids. To me, true leadership is about lifting others up and creating a better future for everyone.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-356393-2025-07-08\" id=\"heading4-356393-2025-07-08\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse4-356393-2025-07-08\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-356393-2025-07-08\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading4-356393-2025-07-08\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse4-356393-2025-07-08\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tHonestly, I’m too honest. I literally don’t know how to lie—I’m an open book! It’s both a blessing and a curse. But I think what makes me ready for this is that I’m emotionally mature enough now to handle criticism. In the past, I would have been crushed by public embarrassment, but now I know how to stand in my truth, even when it’s uncomfortable. I’ve always stood up for people, and anyone who knows me will tell you that.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-356393-2025-07-08\" id=\"heading5-356393-2025-07-08\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse5-356393-2025-07-08\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-356393-2025-07-08\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading5-356393-2025-07-08\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse5-356393-2025-07-08\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tAdvocating for the people. Fighting for workers, families, and the unheard. Standing firm and refusing to sell out to corporations or billionaires. Holding powerful people accountable, whether it's in a union hall, a courtroom, or Congress. Being accessible, honest, and unafraid to call out corruption or injustice.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-356393-2025-07-08\" id=\"heading6-356393-2025-07-08\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse6-356393-2025-07-08\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-356393-2025-07-08\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat legacy would you like to leave?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading6-356393-2025-07-08\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse6-356393-2025-07-08\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThe legacy I want to leave is simple: Don’t let your past define you. Your 30s are the best years of your life—your 20s are the absolute worst! I want people to know you can come from nothing, go through hell, and still come out stronger and more powerful than ever.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-356393-2025-07-08\" id=\"heading7-356393-2025-07-08\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse7-356393-2025-07-08\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-356393-2025-07-08\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading7-356393-2025-07-08\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse7-356393-2025-07-08\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThe first historical event I remember is 9/11. I was in 2nd grade and stayed home from school that day. I grew up in Illinois, so I wasn’t anywhere near New York, but it was still terrifying. It changed the way we travel forever, but it also planted a lot of prejudices in my head as a kid. I would catch myself feeling scared at airports when I’d see someone wearing a hijab, just because I wasn’t exposed to that growing up. It wasn’t until I started college that I saw a girl proudly wearing one, and I thought she was so brave. Reading Persepolis later in life really changed me, too. I felt such empathy for the author—same issues, different country, a loving dad—it really stuck with me.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-356393-2025-07-08\" id=\"heading8-356393-2025-07-08\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse8-356393-2025-07-08\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-356393-2025-07-08\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat was your very first job? How long did you have it?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading8-356393-2025-07-08\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse8-356393-2025-07-08\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tMy first job was at Papa John’s in South Beloit, Illinois, when I was 16. I made $7.75 an hour back in 2010. I worked there until I was 17, then got hired at Panda Express where I made a whole dollar more per hour—I felt like I was rich! After that, I worked a bunch of other little jobs before I landed a job at Chrysler when I was 19. I ended up working there for about 10 years. I actually have an active grievance there right now. My whole work history shows I’ve always been a worker, not someone who’s had things handed to them.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-356393-2025-07-08\" id=\"heading9-356393-2025-07-08\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse9-356393-2025-07-08\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-356393-2025-07-08\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat is your favorite book? Why?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading9-356393-2025-07-08\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse9-356393-2025-07-08\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI’ve always connected with Harry Potter—not because of the author, but because of the character himself. I’ve always been the one who feels alone, buried in books, trying to solve the next problem. It just resonates with me. (And no, I absolutely don’t support the author’s views!)\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-356393-2025-07-08\" id=\"heading10-356393-2025-07-08\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse10-356393-2025-07-08\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-356393-2025-07-08\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat is something that has been a struggle in your life?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading10-356393-2025-07-08\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse10-356393-2025-07-08\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tMy biggest struggle has been doing everything alone. I’ve had zero family support. I was the oldest sibling, so I always had to be the strong one. Even now, I’m running this campaign by myself. Not one family member has offered to help. It blows my mind, because I couldn’t imagine leaving my kids this alone. But honestly? That’s what makes me strong. I’ve been doing it alone my whole life, so I’m ready for this fight.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-356393-2025-07-08\" id=\"heading11-356393-2025-07-08\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse11-356393-2025-07-08\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-356393-2025-07-08\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading11-356393-2025-07-08\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse11-356393-2025-07-08\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tIt depends on what you mean by “experience.” I’ve been into politics since I was five—my dad made me watch CNN as punishment and read Newsweek articles every week. I even met Obama when I was 14! My old social media handle was literally Berniesandersgranddaughterjk.<br/><br/>\r\nI don’t have “formal” political experience, but I think real political experience comes from living in the community you’re serving. How can someone who’s never worked a factory job tell me what’s safe? I brought that up in my law school property class when people joked about OSHA violations at 80 degrees on the line—people pass out in those conditions. That’s not a joke. Real political experience is knowing what it feels like to live it.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-356393-2025-07-08\" id=\"heading12-356393-2025-07-08\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse12-356393-2025-07-08\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-356393-2025-07-08\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading12-356393-2025-07-08\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse12-356393-2025-07-08\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tNo. I will not fold on basic human rights, ever. The same people—mostly rich, privileged men—have been making the rules for too long. I’m not here to compromise on people’s survival or dignity.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div></div>\n<div class=\"small\" data-nosnippet=\"\"><p><i><b>Note:</b> Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.</i></p></div>", "answer_text": "See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection\n\nShelby Campbell completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Campbell's responses.\nExpand all | Collapse all\nWho are you? Tell us about yourself. My name is Shelby Campbell. I’m a proud autoworker and a third-generation member of the United Auto Workers (UAW), with deep roots in the labor movement on both sides of my family. I graduated from Wayne State University with a degree in Political Science, and I’ve completed half of my legal education at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. In addition to my work in the auto industry, I’ve spent years working in the service sector as a server and bartender. I’m also an advocate for workers' rights, especially for those in industries that are often overlooked or underrepresented. I grew up in Rockford, Illinois, and relocated to Michigan during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since moving here, I’ve found stability and a strong sense of purpose, both as a mother to my two young boys—whom I proudly breastfed—and as an engaged community member. Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office? 1. Youth, Families & Community:\r\nWe must prioritize youth, education reform, and family accountability. Too many parents aren't taking responsibility, and it shows in future generations. I want to build stronger communities by making public transportation free, expanding bike access, and protecting neighborhoods from corporate buyouts. The \"American Dream\" has been sold as success, but it’s just capitalism. We need self-sufficient, people-centered communities that prioritize people over profit. 2. Prison Reform & Mental Health:\r\nOur justice system needs real reform. Many people end up in prison due to untreated mental health issues and addiction. We need accountability—not just for individuals, but also for systems designed to divide and harm us. The systems after the Civil Rights Act were intentionally built to keep marginalized people down. We must end this cycle, push for federal marijuana legalization, and focus on healing, not punishment. 3. Peace, Equity & Anti-Capitalism:\r\nThe systems we live under benefit the elite while keeping working people struggling. We are taught to fight each other instead of fighting oppression. I want to empower people to break out of capitalism’s grip and fight for peace, not war. We deserve a society where everyone has equal opportunities, not just those with wealth or power. Once you see how the system works, you can’t unsee it—and I want to help others open their eyes. What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? I’m passionate about labor rights, education reform, prison and justice system reform, and housing justice. I care deeply about working families, protecting children, and rebuilding strong, self-sufficient communities. I fight for accessible and affordable public transportation, protections against corporate land grabs, and policies that empower working-class people—not the wealthy elite. I also advocate for mental health care, addiction support, and ending the cycles of incarceration that target marginalized communities. We need systems that heal, not harm. At the core of all my work is accountability—whether it’s parents, corporations, or government systems. I believe in equity, honesty, and putting people before profit. Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy? I recommend reading books about other people’s lives and experiences—especially non-fiction. Growing up in a mostly white area in the early 2000s, I heard a lot of awful things about people of color. Even though I didn’t agree, those biases were embedded in my environment. It wasn’t until I started reading more and taking sociology and philosophy classes at Wayne State that I began to fully unpack it. One of my professors—who was also a tired parent like me—cried during class after the Oxford school shooting. He cared deeply about people, and the way he explained political theory helped me see why our society feels stuck. We’ve allowed bad people to stay in power too long, and it shows. Books like Persepolis, We Have Always Been Here, and All Boys Aren’t Blue deeply shaped me. They opened my eyes to injustice and resilience. Another professor, who taught philosophy of human rights, helped me understand how society often takes better care of the elderly than the youth—and how, historically, communities had to decide how to distribute resources when someone could no longer contribute. That really shifted my perspective on fairness and who gets prioritized in society. The more you listen to real stories, the more you understand why things need to change. You can’t stay ignorant when you face the truth about others’ lives. What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official? I believe the most important characteristics of an elected official are transparency, honesty, passion, empathy, and accountability. I will never lie to win votes or to hold power—period. People who know me know that I will always stand up for what’s right, even if it costs me personally. I don’t believe in compromising with injustice or corruption. I will always stand firm on my beliefs, because we can’t keep allowing the same broken systems to thrive while regular people suffer. I’m disgusted that elected officials are allowed to buy stock while in office. You can’t serve the people when you’re profiting off corporate interests. And in America, corporations are treated like people—something I believe needs to change immediately. I want people to feel inspired by my campaign and know they can create change, no matter what they’ve been through. I’ve survived a lot, and I’m here to prove that you don’t have to be rich or well-connected to make a difference. I’m deeply inspired by women in politics and culture who speak up and fight back—leaders like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Jasmine Crockett, Rashida Tlaib, and Governor Gretchen Whitmer. I also find strength in women from music like Megan Thee Stallion—because she has been through so much, stood strong, and still remains the baddest—she’s gotten me through so much personally. And Cardi B, because I feel her on being a mom, being judged, going through betrayal, and still standing tall when people try to tear her down. People like them remind me that most couldn’t even handle a mile in our shoes. I also admire Michelle and Barack Obama, especially Michelle’s message that “when they go low, we go high.” As a vegetarian and a mom, I appreciate her work on healthier food for kids. To me, true leadership is about lifting others up and creating a better future for everyone. What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder? Honestly, I’m too honest. I literally don’t know how to lie—I’m an open book! It’s both a blessing and a curse. But I think what makes me ready for this is that I’m emotionally mature enough now to handle criticism. In the past, I would have been crushed by public embarrassment, but now I know how to stand in my truth, even when it’s uncomfortable. I’ve always stood up for people, and anyone who knows me will tell you that. What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office? Advocating for the people. Fighting for workers, families, and the unheard. Standing firm and refusing to sell out to corporations or billionaires. Holding powerful people accountable, whether it's in a union hall, a courtroom, or Congress. Being accessible, honest, and unafraid to call out corruption or injustice. What legacy would you like to leave? The legacy I want to leave is simple: Don’t let your past define you. Your 30s are the best years of your life—your 20s are the absolute worst! I want people to know you can come from nothing, go through hell, and still come out stronger and more powerful than ever. What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time? The first historical event I remember is 9/11. I was in 2nd grade and stayed home from school that day. I grew up in Illinois, so I wasn’t anywhere near New York, but it was still terrifying. It changed the way we travel forever, but it also planted a lot of prejudices in my head as a kid. I would catch myself feeling scared at airports when I’d see someone wearing a hijab, just because I wasn’t exposed to that growing up. It wasn’t until I started college that I saw a girl proudly wearing one, and I thought she was so brave. Reading Persepolis later in life really changed me, too. I felt such empathy for the author—same issues, different country, a loving dad—it really stuck with me. What was your very first job? How long did you have it? My first job was at Papa John’s in South Beloit, Illinois, when I was 16. I made $7.75 an hour back in 2010. I worked there until I was 17, then got hired at Panda Express where I made a whole dollar more per hour—I felt like I was rich! After that, I worked a bunch of other little jobs before I landed a job at Chrysler when I was 19. I ended up working there for about 10 years. I actually have an active grievance there right now. My whole work history shows I’ve always been a worker, not someone who’s had things handed to them. What is your favorite book? Why? I’ve always connected with Harry Potter—not because of the author, but because of the character himself. I’ve always been the one who feels alone, buried in books, trying to solve the next problem. It just resonates with me. (And no, I absolutely don’t support the author’s views!) What is something that has been a struggle in your life? My biggest struggle has been doing everything alone. I’ve had zero family support. I was the oldest sibling, so I always had to be the strong one. Even now, I’m running this campaign by myself. Not one family member has offered to help. It blows my mind, because I couldn’t imagine leaving my kids this alone. But honestly? That’s what makes me strong. I’ve been doing it alone my whole life, so I’m ready for this fight. Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics? It depends on what you mean by “experience.” I’ve been into politics since I was five—my dad made me watch CNN as punishment and read Newsweek articles every week. I even met Obama when I was 14! My old social media handle was literally Berniesandersgranddaughterjk. I don’t have “formal” political experience, but I think real political experience comes from living in the community you’re serving. How can someone who’s never worked a factory job tell me what’s safe? I brought that up in my law school property class when people joked about OSHA violations at 80 degrees on the line—people pass out in those conditions. That’s not a joke. Real political experience is knowing what it feels like to live it. Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking? No. I will not fold on basic human rights, ever. The same people—mostly rich, privileged men—have been making the rules for too long. I’m not here to compromise on people’s survival or dignity.\nNote: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it."}]