Shelane Etchison

Why is she running?

I’m running for Congress because I believe our country is at a critical crossroads, and we need leaders who are committed to bridging divides rather than deepening them. My campaign is driven by a simple but powerful belief: that government should work for everyone, not just the extremes on either side.  I’ve seen firsthand how the current political climate has left too many people feeling unheard and unrepresented. That’s why I’m dedicated to championing electoral reforms that ensure every vote counts and that our leaders are truly accountable to the people. We need a system that encourages collaboration and compromise, not gridlock and partisan bickering.  As a representative, I’ll work to bring people together, focusing on common-sense solutions that reflect the values of the moderate majority. I’m committed to fighting for policies that promote economic opportunity, lower costs, promote women’s rights, support our veterans, and protect our rights. But more than anything, I’m committed to being a voice for those who feel left out of the conversation.  We can do better, and we must do better. I’m ready to lead that change and restore faith in our democracy.

Why are you an independent?

I’m running as an independent because I believe the two major parties have become too divisive and focused on partisan battles rather than solving the real issues that matter to people. Both sides are caught up in unhelpful rhetoric, and this constant back-and-forth prevents us from making meaningful progress on the challenges we face.  The reality is that the majority of Americans are not represented by the extremes of either party. They want practical solutions and leaders who will work together to get things done. That’s why I’m running as an independent—to represent the people, not a party or wealthy donors.  My allegiance is to the voters, not to any political machine. I want to bring a voice to Washington that’s focused on common-sense policies and on breaking through the gridlock that’s holding us back. I’m committed to working for everyone in my district, regardless of their political affiliation, and to fighting for the reforms we need to restore trust in our government.  We need leaders who are willing to put aside partisan interests and work for the common good. That’s what I intend to do as an independent candidate—represent the people, not a party.

What are your top three priority issues? 

1. Electoral reform 
2. Women’s reproductive rights
3. Lowering housing costs

What are your positions that help support empowering independents (open primaries etc)? 

I believe that empowering independents is crucial for creating a healthier, more representative democracy. To achieve this, there are several key reforms I strongly support:  First, open primaries are essential. They allow all voters, regardless of party affiliation, to participate in primary elections. This ensures that candidates are chosen by a broader, more diverse electorate, rather than just the most partisan voters. Open primaries help to reduce polarization by encouraging candidates to appeal to a wider audience, rather than just their party’s base.  Second, I advocate for an independent redistricting commission to handle the drawing of electoral districts. Gerrymandering, where districts are manipulated to favor one party over another, is a major problem that undermines fair representation. By having an independent body draw these lines, we can create more competitive districts where candidates have to work harder to earn votes from all constituents, not just those who belong to their party.  Finally, I support ranked-choice voting, which allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference. This system ensures that the winning candidate has broader support and encourages more civil campaigning, as candidates benefit from being the second or third choice of their opponents’ supporters. Ranked-choice voting also gives independents a better chance by leveling the playing field and reducing the \wasted vote\” problem that often discourages people from voting for independent candidates.  These reforms—open primaries independent redistricting and ranked-choice voting—are critical steps toward a more inclusive and effective democracy where independents can thrive and where every voter’s voice truly matters.”

What will you do to support your fellow veterans and members of the military community? 

Supporting veterans and members of the military community is deeply personal to me, especially as someone who spent many years based at Fort Liberty. I understand the unique challenges that service members and their families face, and I’m committed to being a strong advocate for them in Congress.  First and foremost, I’ll work to ensure that veterans receive the care and benefits they’ve earned. This includes improving access to healthcare through the VA, making sure it’s not only timely but also tailored to the specific needs of veterans. Mental health services are particularly critical, and I’ll push for expanded resources and support networks to address the mental health challenges that many veterans face.  I’m also focused on supporting military families. This means advocating for better housing, education, and job opportunities for spouses and children of service members. The sacrifices these families make are immense, and they deserve strong, consistent support from their government.  Additionally, I’ll work to streamline the transition from military to civilian life. This includes enhancing job training programs, improving access to education benefits, and partnering with the private sector to create more job opportunities for veterans.  As a representative of Fort Liberty, I understand the needs of our military community because I’ve lived there. I’m committed to ensuring that their voices are heard and that their sacrifices are honored with the support and respect they deserve.

ENDORSEMENTS