Shay Frisby

Shay Frisby earned an associate degree from Delaware Technical Community College in 1997, a bachelor's degree from Wesley College in 2009, and a graduate degree from Wilmington University in 2015.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am Shay Frisby. A mother, wife, grandmother, minister, community leader, entrepreneur and community advocate. I consider myself a servant leader. I am someone who understands what it means to struggle, persevere, raise a family , care for others, and still find a way to show up for my community.

For more than 30 years, Claymont has been home. My experiences, as a parent, a public servant, and a neighbor have taught me to listen, solve problems, and speak up when people need someone in their corner.

I believe leadership is about service. It's about showing up, listening to people, and turning their concerns into action.

That’s who I am, and that’s the kind of Senator I intend to be.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

My campaign, from the start, has been squarely focused on working class, material issues. I believe that Delaware, and the nation as a whole, have favored the wealthy and corporations for far too long. The government should work for all of us. It should also have particular interest in helping those who have been historically oppressed, such as low-income, BIPOC, and LGBT+ individuals.

I proudly reject all donations from corporations, other businesses, and PACs aligned with these entities because I want to be abundantly clear that I am serving people, not corporations.I want to deliver real results that will substantially improve the quality of life for Delawareans. Affordability has gone from one of the most common issues I hear from voters to the unquestionable number one. There are many ways to reduce cost-of-living, but I believe that we should look toward areas that will have the most impact, such as housing, healthcare, and education, which are all basic human rights.

I have been active with the H.O.M.E.S. Campaign of Delaware and want to complement their efforts in the State Senate through a focus on affordable housing, renter protections, and substantially more assistance for unhoused individuals.Transparency and community service are cornerstones of my personal and political beliefs. As State Senator, I will be available to serve you however I can. To do that, I want to continually reach communities in my district through door knocking, neighborhood meetings, and regular updates from my office.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I’m passionate about policies that directly affect families and the quality of life in our communities. Affordable housing, Child Care, healthcare access, economic opportunity, education, environmental justice, and responsible development. The Government should work for the people. Especially those who are often overlooked and unheard.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I look up to the women who came before me, especially my mother and the women who taught me the value of strength, faith, perseverance and service. I also admire everyday people who continue to show up for their families and communities, even when life is difficult. They remind me why service matters.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Elected officials need to be committed to service, particularly for those who are most vulnerable among us. It is distressing to me that so many elected officials prioritize the very wealthy and corporations. Delaware and this nation should give equal opportunity to all.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The core responsibilities I believe are important include listening, staying informed, and dedication to the most vulnerable. Elected officials cannot reasonably represent if they are not in a constant dialogue with their constituents, nor can they represent if they are not informed by experts and people with lived experiences. They also should maintain focus on helping those who need it the most.

What legacy would you like to leave?

My legacy will be a legacy of service, courage, and impact. It will be something that transcends generations. People will know that I showed up, listened and worked to make life better for families, seniors, children and the working people of my community. I will deliver meaningful results that substantially improve the quality of people’s lives. People will know that I was always here to inspire future generations to serve their communities. Most importantly, my legacy will be one that leaves behind a community that is stronger because I served.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My first job was at McDonald’s. It taught me the importance of showing up, working hard, serving people, and being responsible. Lessons that have stayed with me throughout my career.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

One of the struggles in my life has been - not being seen. Not being recognized for my abilities, my contributions, or the person I am. That experience has shaped me and strengthened my determination to make sure others feel seen, heard and valued.

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

I believe that Delaware’s working families are experiencing a horrific cost-of-living crisis that will be compounded by the effects of climate change in the coming decades. Delaware needs to do much more to ensure that basic human rights (such as housing, healthcare, and education) are met. Our state also must guarantee that jobs are dignified and pay wages that can be lived off of. Finally, as the lowest lying state in the union, the state must take serious steps to mitigate the harm of climate change.

What qualities does the U.S. Senate possess that makes it unique as an institution?

U.S. Senate is unique because every state has an equal voice regardless of its size or population. Senators serve longer terms allowing them to focus on long term solutions rather than only the next election. Most importantly the Senate, has a responsibility to listen, deliberate, and serve as an important check on government power. It is an institution where experience

accountability and the voices of the states come together to serve the county.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

I believe that it is sometimes necessary, but I do not think it is inherently desirable. I desire to pass policies that substantially help every day, working people, not corporations or the very wealthy. If someone wants to pass a policy at odds with this agenda, then I have no desire to compromise unless it is truly necessary to get results.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT)

Delaware Governor Matt Meyer

Delaware State Representative Larry Lambert (RD7)

DSEA

Delaware DSA

Delaware WFP

What was the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember?

One of the most significant historical events I remember is September 11, 2001. I was 29 years old, and I remember the shock, fear, and uncertainty that swept across our country. It was a moment that changed how many of us viewed our nation, our communities, and one another.