Shelbie Campbell, a law student and mother of two, is using TikTok videos to run for Michigan’s 13th Congressional District.
A 32-year-old independent candidate is relying on a twerking video that went viral on social media to build momentum for her campaign against sitting MP Shri Thanedar.
Shelby Campbell is a law student and mother of two running for Michigan’s 13th Congressional District seat. She uses TikTok to engage in politics in unconventional ways.
Her TikTok videos have garnered significant attention, with the candidate unapologetically using dance and humor to connect with young voters.
“I’m just having fun, you know, I’m still young and I’m taking advantage of social media,” Campbell said in an interview with Fox 2 Detroit.
When asked whether twerking could actually get people to the polls, Campbell didn’t flinch.
“I’m a moral person,” she said. “Honestly, like I said, men… we all know what they are like. Look at the men in power right now.”
She positioned her campaign as a fresh alternative to traditional politics, arguing that Congress needed younger representatives. Campbell said she had both the brains and the booty. In addition to these viral videos, she is a former production line worker who is now studying for a law degree while raising two children.
“I’m a classy person. Aren’t I? I’m not doing OnlyFans like everyone keeps saying,” Campbell said in response to critics who questioned her campaign strategy.
Her main opponent is millionaire and sitting congressman Tanidal. Campbell found her background to be in stark contrast to his.
“I just want young people in the office and he’s a millionaire. So, I don’t and he does. So, it’s hard for him to connect with the people,” Campbell said.
Campbell is running as an independent in a district that includes much of Detroit and surrounding areas.
Her campaign represents a generational shift in the way politicians interact with voters, especially young people who spend a lot of time on social media platforms like TikTok.
