Heath Shuler

Heath Shuler served as a Representative from North Carolina in the United States Congress from 2007 to 2013. A member of the Democratic Party, Heath Shuler contributed to the legislative process during 3 terms in office.

Heath Shuler’s service in Congress occurred during a significant period in American history. As a member of the House of Representatives, Heath Shuler participated in the democratic process and represented the interests of constituents.

Joseph Heath Shuler (born December 31, 1971) is an American former politician and professional football quarterback who served as the U.S. representative for North Carolina’s 11th congressional district from 2007 to 2013. The district covers the Blue Ridge Mountains in Western North Carolina. A member of the Democratic Party, he played in the National Football League (NFL) for five seasons prior to his political career. Shuler played college football at the University of Tennessee, winning SEC Player of the Year in 1993, and was selected by the Washington Redskins third overall in the 1994 NFL draft. Unable to match his collegiate success, he was traded from the Redskins after three seasons and spent his final two with the New Orleans Saints. Shuler launched his first political campaign during the 2006 House elections and defeated Republican incumbent Charles H. Taylor. During his Congressional tenure, he was a member of the Blue Dog Coalition and known for challenging the leadership of his party, including running against Nancy Pelosi for Democratic leader in 2010. After his district was redrawn in 2011 to replace much of his Democratic support from Asheville with several Republican counties, Shuler announced he would not seek re-election the following year. He retired from politics after his term ended.