Christopher Shays represented the southwest region of Connecticut from 1987 to 2009 in the United States Congress. A moderate Republican, who is socially progressive and fiscally conservative, Shays had a strong record of reaching across the aisle to address our nation’s problems. The only Republican Congressman from New England elected in 2006, Shays was consistently recognized for his bipartisan leadership.

During his 21 years in Congress, Shays rose to become a senior member of the Budget, Financial Services, Homeland Security, and Government Reform committees. Shays and his wife, Betsi, are former Peace Corps volunteer (Fiji) that championed the national service program, helping create AmeriCorps. Shays is a graduate of Principia College, NYU’s Stern School of Business, and the Wagner School of Public Administration.