Shelly Headen

Shelly Headen is the Democratic candidate for the North Carolina House of Representatives, District 62, in the November 3, 2026 general election, where she faces incumbent Republican John M. Blust.[1][2] A business owner with a background in accounting, she earned a bachelor's degree from Appalachian State University in 1991.[2][3]

Headen earned a high school diploma from Mountain Heritage High School and a bachelor's degree from Appalachian State University in 1991.[2] In a 2026 Ballotpedia survey, she said she lives in Oak Ridge, was born in Western North Carolina, and began her career as an auditor with an international CPA firm.[3] She said she spent eight years as an accounting manager for a pharmaceutical company, worked as an accounting recruiter for a decade, and then became a small business owner in the construction industry.[3] She said she raised three daughters in Guilford County, served as co-treasurer of their elementary school, and is a member of the Oak Ridge Lion's Club.[3]

Headen's survey responses name public education, affordability and healthcare as key messages.[3] She said she would work to restore investment in public schools and raise pay for teachers and staff, expand access to affordable healthcare, and make housing more affordable by negotiating more flexible zoning and regulations.[3]

Researched from the cited sources on 2026-10-21. Not yet independently fact-checked.