Heath Shuler
Heath Shuler was first elected to represent North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District in November 2006. The 11th District is comprised of the 15 westernmost counties in North Carolina: Buncombe, Clay, Cherokee, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania, and Yancey. Shuler is a member of the Democratic Party.
Prior to launching his congressional bid, Shuler was a successful entrepreneur and small business owner. He began a real estate brokerage firm and several other successful real estate companies. His professional experience led to him to chair the House Subcommittee on Rural Development, Entrepreneurship and Trade. He is a loyal member and the Whip of the fiscally conservative Blue Dog Coalition.
Shuler is also widely known for his success on the football field. While at the University of Tennessee, Shuler set numerous passing records, was selected to multiple All-America teams, was named Southeastern Conference Player of the Year and NCAA Male Athlete of the Year, and was the runner-up for the Heisman Trophy. He went on to play in the National Football League for the Washington Redskins, the New Orleans Saints, and the Oakland Raiders before an injury ended his career.
Congressman Shuler is married to Nikol Davis of Waynesville. They have two children, Navy and Island. The family belongs to Biltmore Baptist Church. Congressman Shuler has served as a charter member and spokesperson for the Friends of the Smokies and as National Spokesperson for Character Counts; and he remains active in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. [1]
