Born and raised in the mountains of Western North Carolina, Heath Shuler has gone from being a star on the football field and in the business community to become one of the fastest rising stars in the Democratic Party.

Heath was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2006, winning a hard fought campaign against an eight-term incumbent, by pledging to represent the values of Western North Carolina. Speaking out strongly for the development of sustainable energy resources and against unfair trade agreements that send our jobs overseas, he was one of only two Democrats to defeat an incumbent in the South in 2006.

Prior to launching his first congressional bid, Heath was a successful small business owner and entrepreneur. He has first-hand knowledge of the challenges and rewards that go along with owning a business. Recognizing his knowledge of the issues and commitment to helping other small business owners, Heath was named the Chairman of the House Small Business Committee’s Subcommittee on Rural and Urban Entrepreneurship. As Chairman he has worked to cut taxes for small businesses, ensure that they are receiving equal access to federal contracts, and to increase investments in rural business development programs.

Committed to balancing our nation’s budget and reducing the national debt, Heath is a proud member of the fiscally responsible Blue Dog Caucus. As one of the largest and most influential caucuses in Congress, the Blue Dogs reinstituted Pay-As-You-Go budgeting in the 110^th Congress, which forces Congress to manage its budget just like families and small businesses. He has also worked to bring long-awaited accountability and transparency to the budget and earmarking process.

Heath is also committed to being a good steward of God’s creation and land conservation. He is a member of Ducks Unlimited, Quail Unlimited, and a charter member and spokesperson for the Friends of the Smokies. A lifelong hunter, Heath also raises Labrador Retrievers for field trialing.

Many people also remember Heath’s exploits on the football field. He starred at Swain County High School, leading the Maroon Devils to three N.C. state championships and being named the N.C. High School Player of the Year. He continued his football career just over the Great Smoky Mountains at the University of Tennessee. During his three years at UT Heath set numerous passing records, was selected to multiple All-America teams, and was named the Southeastern Conference Player of the Year. He made the All-SEC Academic Team, was named NCAA Male Athlete of the Year, and in 1993, was runner-up for the Heisman Trophy.

Heath was drafted into the National Football League by the Washington Redskins and also played for the New Orleans Saints before an injury ended his professional football career.

After retiring from the NFL, Heath returned to the University of Tennessee and completed his education, graduating with a degree in Psychology.

Heath is married to Nikol Davis of Waynesville, and they have two children Navy (7) and Island (3). The family belongs to Biltmore Baptist Church in Arden.