To run as a Democratic in District 18, you have to be tough and realistic while still being a dreamer. That is who I am. In other areas in Virginia, it has been a blue wave, but here it’s more like a blue slog. I knew that when I stepped up in 2017. It’s even more true now.
In high school in Warrenton, I came from behind to win the Virginia State Equitation championship (show jumping). After college, in the middle of the Great Recession, I moved to Memphis to work in theatre and play guitar on Beale Street. I returned home to start a media/music business based out of Rixeyville and had the opportunity to perform up and down the East Coast. This led to being cast on NBC’s The Voice, appearing after the Super Bowl for millions of viewers.
My professional life is about bringing people together united around a shared message. That is the essence of good politics and good representation. It is natural for me not to be shy of a challenge, like being a Democrat in our area running for office.
In the 2017 election, as the Democratic nominee for Delegate, I received more votes than any Democrat in the recent history of our District, despite having a well-funded 3rd party candidate in the race. The way to effect change is through persistent, consistent action dealing with real problems. We need to solve the problems we have, not the ones Republican leaders make up to avoid dealing with reality.
Now is the time for rural Democrats to stop letting Republicans get an Easy Pass to doing nothing. To quote one of my favorite politicians, LBJ: What has Delegate Michael Webert ever done for you?
You know me, I’m not afraid to speak up and take on hard topics. And I promise I’ll do what it takes to address the real problems here in District 18. I know how to make a lot of noise, and I will make it for you. My name is Tristan Shields. I ask for you vote on June 11th and again on November 5th. Thank you.
Tristan’s Virginia roots go deep. He traces his lineage back to Richmond, 1838. Currently, he and his wife, Stephanie, live on the family’s small farm in Rixeyville, VA.