Biography

Congressman Heath Shuler

A native of Swain County and a current resident of Haywood County, 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.

Prior to launching his congressional bid, Congressman 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 responsible Blue Dog Coalition, which works to end wasteful spending and create a transparent, accountable and balanced federal budget.

Congressman Shuler is also widely known for his success on the football field. As a student-athlete at Swain County High School, he led the Maroon Devils to three North Carolina state championships and was named North Carolina High School Player of the year.

From Swain County, it was a short trip over the Great Smoky Mountains to the University of Tennessee. While at UT, Congressman 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. Congressman Shuler 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. With his football days behind him, Congressman Shuler returned to the University of Tennessee and finished his degree.

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.