Hello baby boomers

Hello baby boomers

Dear Baby Boomers,

I want to speak to you directly—because you vote, you pay attention, and whether we agree on everything or not, I respect that.

I was raised to believe in hard work, accountability, and showing up even when it's hard. My roots are in the labor movement—I’m a third-generation UAW worker who clocked in on the assembly line and served tables for over a decade. I’ve worked with my hands, stood on my feet, and raised two children through it all.

I’m not running for office because it’s a trend. I’m running because I’m tired of watching the country fall apart while politicians do nothing but protect themselves and their donors. I’ve lived paycheck to paycheck. I’ve faced real consequences for speaking up. And I’ve never had anyone bankroll my dreams—I’ve built them myself, with grit and faith in the people around me.

I know some of you have seen this country change more than any other generation. You've seen what leadership should look like—and you know we’ve drifted too far from it. I want to bring that back: responsibility, truth-telling, and a government that serves the people, not itself.

I'm not asking for your vote just because I'm running. I'm asking for your trust—because I’m not afraid to fight, and I’m not in anyone’s pocket.

Thank you for reading. I look forward to earning your support the old-fashioned way—by doing the work.

With respect,
Shelby Campbell

Group of five people smiling and posing indoors, with a woman in the background in a kitchen.

Dear Boomers: I was Raised by You. I Work for You. I’m fighting With You.

You’ve lived through the biggest shifts in American history. I’ve lived through some of the toughest moments our country has faced in decades. I’m running not to erase what’s been–but to rebuild what made us proud: integrity, accountability, and decency.

These women endured everything so I could be bold. I carry them with me into every room I walk into. They taught me that real strength isn’t loud–it’s consistent. They taught me not to give up on the people around me.

Nursing School While Pregnant

While pregnant with my first son, Marcello, I was attending nursing school and working on my feet. Nursing felt like glorified serving–hard, selfless, underpaid labor. And I’ve done both. I’ve changed sheets, served tables, and juggled it all while pregnant. I want to make sure the people doing the most important jobs aren’t treated like they’re disposable.

Woman in medical scrubs taking a mirror selfie in a hospital bathroom, with a flower filter and the caption "First day of clinicals".
Two people hugging on a city sidewalk on an overcast day, with parked cars and storefronts in the background.

Family, Service, and Love

This is me and my little brother at Ray’s Family Diner in Rockton, Illinois, the morning before he left for Navy boot camp. He was only 18, and like so many young men without many options, he was drawn into the military — an institution that often preys on vulnerable kids with promises of stability and purpose. I’ve never stopped being proud of him, but I believe we need a country where opportunity doesn’t require risking your life. He’s now a dad and retired from the military.

A pregnant woman wearing a face mask and a blue jacket taking a selfie in an industrial setting, possibly an airport or warehouse, with metallic structures and yellow safety rails in the background.

Pregnant on the Line

I’m a third-generation UAW Worker. I’ve walked the floor while carrying my children–literally and figuratively. I know what it’s like to be essential and expendable at the same time. I won’t forget the people who kept this country running when no one else would.

Working in the factory while pregnant with my son Alonzo. I didn’t have paid maternity leave. I couldn’t afford to miss a shift. This is the reality fort oo many women–and it’s something I’ll fight to change.

Two men smiling and posing together indoors, one with white hair and beard wearing glasses and a green shirt, the other with short dark hair wearing a dark suit and white shirt.

Grandpa & Obama – Lifelong Labor Advocate

My grandpa served as the financial secretary of UAW Local 1268 in Belvidere for over 40 years—advocating for working families until he lost his battle with cancer. His dedication wasn't just about numbers—it was about fairness, solidarity, and staying true to his community. His pride in meeting President Obama reminds me how ordinary workers are at the heart of extraordinary progress.