Shelly Kates Headen

Shelly Kates Headen is the Democratic candidate for the North Carolina House of Representatives District 62 in the 2026 general election on November 3, 2026 ¹. The office she seeks is a seat in the North Carolina House, the state’s lower legislative chamber where members serve two‑year terms and represent specific districts ¹.

Headen earned a high‑school diploma from Mountain Heritage High School and a bachelor’s degree from Appalachian State University in 1991 ¹. She spent a decade working as a recruiter in the accounting field before becoming a small‑business owner in the construction industry. Her professional experience also includes owning a business, as noted on her Ballotpedia profile ¹.

Beyond her career, Headen has been deeply involved in her community in Guilford County. She co‑treasured her daughters’ elementary school, tutored underprivileged children, coached a youth cheerleading team, and participated in local organizations such as the Oak Ridge Lion’s Club, the League of Women Voters, and Guilford for All. She also supports scholarships for construction‑industry students through the Greensboro Builders Association ¹.

In her campaign, Headen emphasizes fully funding public schools, arguing that North Carolina’s historic leadership in education has been eroded by funding cuts. She pledges to raise teacher and staff wages and restore investment in the public‑school system ^1141516. She also advocates for affordable, accessible healthcare for families and small businesses, describing healthcare as a right rather than a privilege ^1141516. As a CPA and small‑business owner, she says she will bring fiscal responsibility to state budgeting and ensure taxpayer dollars are used wisely ¹⁴¹⁵¹⁶. Endorsements for her campaign include Bull City Anna, the Center for Freethought Equality, and Work For Democracy ¹.

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