Shelby N. Campbell
Shelby Campbell is a labor advocate, community organizer, and cannabis ally running for U.S. Congress in Michigan’s 13th Congressional District. A lifelong fighter and working-class mom, Shelby is committed to disrupting systems built on racism, exploitation, and control, and rebuilding them to prioritize people over corporations. Her campaign focuses on civil rights, labor protections, cannabis justice, free and decolonized education, accessible healthcare, sustainable food systems, and public transportation, reflecting her deep commitment to equity, dignity, and community empowerment.
Before entering politics, Shelby gained extensive experience as a legal extern and intern, working with the Sugar Law Center for Economic & Social Justice and the National Labor Relations Board, advocating for workers’ rights and helping address labor disputes. She also has a decade of experience on the Stellantis assembly line and has worked in service roles, giving her a grounded perspective on the challenges faced by working people. Shelby combines this firsthand experience with legal knowledge and union advocacy to fight for systemic change and workers’ rights, including within often-overlooked industries like adult entertainment through her work with Strippers United.
Shelby is a graduate student at the University of Illinois at Chicago’s Graduate College, pursuing a Master of Public Administration, and previously studied law at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. Her dedication to justice, transparency, and integrity is evident in her activism, from tenant advocacy in Detroit to exposing systemic failures in legal representation. Shelby’s work demonstrates a tireless commitment to empowering marginalized communities, protecting workers, and creating a society that honors collective care, equity, and liberation.
• Certified Nursing Assistant
• Practice-Ready Certification
• Foundations of Effective Legal Research
• LexisNexis Certification Part 1: Proficiency Certification
• Advanced Legal Research
• Fundamentals - Primary Law
• University of Illinois at Chicago - Graduate College- M.P.A.
• University of Detroit Mercy School of Law- J.D.
• Wayne State University- Bachelor's
• Rock Valley College- A.S.
• Strippers United
• Divine Legal Collective
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to raw determination and self-motivation, a refusal to let systemic barriers hold me back, and the willingness to pivot when necessary—from nursing to law to politics—always guided by a vision-driven commitment to justice, community, and access.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received was from a law school professor who told me, “My generation didn’t do it — you guys need to save us. Use your powers for good, not evil,” inspiring me to lead with purpose and resilience.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this field is to trust yourself, focus on impact over perfection, do what you truly want, and don’t look up to people who aren’t living the life you aspire to.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges in my field are breaking through established political machines, fundraising as an independent, and combating stigma around unionizing marginalized professions, while the greatest opportunities lie in shifting narratives around labor, using legal tools to fight for justice, and expanding the reach of advocacy organizations like the Divine Legal Collective.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are honesty, respect, open communication, community-first leadership, and a steadfast belief that housing is a human right.