Zachary Shrewsbury

Zachary Shrewsbury was born in Ripley, West Virginia. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2010 to 2015. Shrewsbury's career experience includes working as a community activist. He has worked in climate justice for a progressive veteran's organization and as a community organizer for climate and labor center organizations.[1]

Zachary Shrewsbury did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2026 Candidate Connection survey.

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Campaign websiteShrewsbury's campaign website stated the following:Policy PlatformWest Virginians deserve a Senator who fights for the working class and will never sell them out to corporate interests for personal gain. For far too long, the working people of this state have been exploited, manipulated, and taken advantage of by career politicians who only look out for themselves and their wealthy donors. It’s time that we have a fighter in Washington who is dedicated to policies that bolster ALL Mountaineers and our communities.Workers' Rights & Protections:This state has the richest labor history in the country, and it is time for us to lead the way once again. Make no mistake: The right to work is killing West Virginia workers. I am fully committed to fighting for strong labor protections. Every worker deserves a living wage, safe working conditions, and the right to unionize.Universal Healthcare: Everyone has the right to access high-quality, affordable health care, including prescription medications. It's time for our country to treat health care as a right, not a privilege. I will fight to transition the Affordable Care Act to a universal healthcare system guaranteeing access to high-quality care and affordable prescription medications for everyone regardless of their ability to pay or zip code.Harm Reduction & Compassion Over Profit: Pharmaceutical companies deliberately flooded our communities with prescription drugs, causing a crisis that has impacted every family in our state. We have to recognize that drug use is a complex issue that involves a spectrum of behavior that requires a continuum of services and resources. I believe we need to equally invest in prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery to combat this crisis and help both those who use drugs and those wishing to stop.Racial Justice: I am dedicated to combating racial injustice and ensuring equity in our communities. I support comprehensive policies, from criminal justice reform to economic investment, to tackle systemic inequalities. I believe these initiatives can guarantee equity for every American. As a leader, I'll address systemic racism by supporting reparations through community investment, empowering black-owned businesses, and supporting tribal sovereignty and indigenous rights. In these ways, we can build a more equitable society.Environmental Justice & Energy Independence: West Virginia's communities deserve clean air, safe water, and sustainable living. I support policies tackling inequalities, from strict pollution regulations to robust renewable energy investment. I will advocate for energy independence, emphasizing renewables manufacturing. West Virginia can lead in clean energy, driving economic prosperity while safeguarding our environment. We powered the world once; let's do it again.Justified Transition: The decline in the fossil fuel industry has impacted West Virginia workers for decades. Ensuring a just transition is the only way forward. It's not just a responsibility to the workforce itself but to the communities they live and work in. Our government must provide direct financial assistance, federally subsidized paid training programs, and a federal jobs guarantee for the workers impacted by this transition. This includes expanding programs like the American Climate Corps to incorporate out-of-work coal miners and those looking to change careers. We must ensure these jobs have comparable wages and benefits, including strong union representation.Veteran Support: West Virginia has one of the highest percentages of veterans in the nation. It's time this country gives our vets the care and respect they deserve. I will prioritize veterans and advocate for comprehensive policies. This includes expanding job training and placement services, improving VA healthcare access, and tackling veteran homelessness with affordable housing. Under my leadership, I'll further address veterans' unique needs, emphasizing mental and physical healthcare access. I will also prioritize veterans in renewable energy career opportunities, ensuring they have the support for healthy, fulfilling lives after their dedicated service.Quality Education: West Virginia's kids deserve the highest quality education we can provide them. This country needs to prioritize education by increasing resources for teachers, students, and schools. This includes addressing inadequate teacher pay, advocating for an ample supplies budget, and ensuring access to essential technological tools for success in our digital age. Additionally, I'll work towards fully funded public education, making public college tuition-free, and canceling student loan debt. Implementing a national hiring program for educators and support staff will ensure a sustainable reduction in staff size while maintaining educational quality and accessibility for all.Reproductive Justice: The Mountain State is a sexual and reproductive healthcare desert; nearly half of our counties lack adequate care. This is unacceptable. I fully support the right of every person to decide if, when, or how to become parents and the right to raise the children they have in safe and sustainable communities. I will fight to restore and protect the right to both surgical and medication abortion and increase access to that care. We need to repeal the discriminatory Hyde Amendment and the Comstock Act. I will champion increased protections and funding for contraception, IVF, and sexual and reproductive education.2SLGBTQIA+ Rights: All people have the right to be themselves and be free from discrimination. I'll fiercely champion 2SLGBTQIA+ rights, prioritizing equitable policies and protections. Trans rights are human rights, and I'll work tirelessly to dismantle discriminatory barriers. Medical decisions should remain between professionals and individuals or their guardians, free from government interference. Under my leadership, these principles will be steadfast, promoting a society of equality, autonomy, and respect for all.Infrastructure: Ensuring the integrity of our nation's physical infrastructure is paramount, and West Virginia needs a serious overhaul. I will push for comprehensive investments to repair and modernize roads, bridges, and public spaces, prioritizing safety and functionality. Additionally, I recognize that rural broadband is now a fundamental utility essential for education, healthcare, and economic growth. I'll champion the expansion of reliable high-speed internet to every community, leveling the playing field and enabling everyone to prosper in the digital age.Taxes for Equity: It is time for the obscenely rich and corporations to pay their fair share to eliminate the burden on working people. I'll champion progressive tax policies for equity and to fund programs that benefit all of us. I'll fight to prioritize the needs of the many over the few, strengthening universal social security, protecting consumers, and making the child tax credit permanent. These steps will fund crucial public services, fostering a just and equitable society for all.Housing Crisis: Having a roof over your head is a human right, and I am committed to tackling the houselessness crisis head-on. I believe in comprehensive solutions. This includes implementing robust rent control measures to ensure affordability for all. I'll spearhead a substantial investment in public housing, creating safe, dignified homes for those in need. We can build a future where every person has a place to call home, ensuring stable and vibrant communities for all.Human Rights-Centric Foreign Policy:As the next Senator from West Virginia, I will fight for the human rights of people in my community and across the globe. We need a foreign policy based on respect for universal human rights, international law, peaceful resolution of disputes, demilitarization, and an end to arms sales. We need to work with other nations to address the crisis of climate change, women's and children's rights, immigration, and the spread of deadly viruses. To accomplish these goals, we need to end the disastrous wars fueled by the narrow interests that profit from them. The Palestinian people deserve a lasting ceasefire immediately and an independent state with equal rights for all free from violence. And the people at home deserve to be prioritized over the Pentagon. The defense budget is over $800 billion, yet we are no safer. We need to put human needs and rights ahead of the greedy corporate interests of weapons manufacturers.— Zachary Shrewsbury's campaign website (May 5, 2026)Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

My name is Zachary Shrewsbury. I am a native West Virginian, a Marine Corps veteran, a father, the grandson of a coal miner, a community organizer and activist and a member of the working class.

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?

Labor ProtectionsUniversal HealthcareBattling the Addiction Crisis

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Labor rights. Union protections. Just Job Transitions (Fossil Fuel Workers/Veterans Prioritized). Renewable Technologies Manufacturing. Affordable/Accessible Healthcare. Expanded Recovery Options.

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

My father. I have strived to follow his example of pushing forward despite circumstances and always making a way. He has always been supportive of me.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Liberation theology.

"Of the people. By the people. For the people."

"Power to the people"

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

Honesty. Integrity. Courage. Intelligence. Knowledge of current events. Resonance. Relatability. Reliability. Presence. Listening skills. Empathy.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Honesty. Integrity. Courage. Intelligence. Knowledge of current events. Resonance. Relatability. Reliability. Presence. Listening skills. Empathy. I am a member of working class society. I live the way most West Virginians do. I do not come from money. I am not a career politician. I have been helping as a community organizer all over WV for years. Unlike many, I show up and stay to get the work that needs done finished. I try to help wherever I am needed.I am not beholden to corporate dollars.

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

I believe the key responsibility is to be guided by the voice of the people and not corporate dollars.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I want to be remembered as someone who stood against corruption on all fronts and fought on behalf of working class people. I want to inspire my generation and beyond to run for office and continue the fight. I want to be a good example for my son.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

911. 10

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

Baling hay and working at Burger King simultaneously. 2 - 3 years.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Soundtrack to the Struggle - Lowkey

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

Poverty. I have everyday people struggles. Low wages. Rising utility costs. Food insecurity. Inaccessible/unaffordable healthcare. Poor infrastructure. Lack of jobs. Housing accessibility and costs. Unaffordable higher education. t's all a cycle.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I support term limits.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for senators to have previous experience in government or politics?

I think life experience is a far better barometer than political experience for reaching and responding to the people you represent.

What do you think of the filibuster?

I support ending the filibuster.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Blue America, Richard Ojeda

Campaign website

Shrewsbury’s campaign website stated the following:

Top issues

Labor protections: Zach is committed to fighting for strong labor protections. He believes that every worker deserves a living wage, safe working conditions, and the right to unionize.

Universal Healthcare: Zach believes that healthcare is a right, not a privilege. He'll fight to transition the Affordable Care Act to a universal healthcare system guaranteeing quality healthcare for all regardless of their ability to pay.

Addiction Crisis: Drug addiction has devastated communities across West Virginia. Zach believes that we need to invest in prevention, treatment, and recovery to combat this crisis.

Other Issues

Environmental Justice & Energy Independence: Committed to environmental justice, I envision a future with clean air, safe water, and sustainable living. My policies will tackle inequalities, from strict pollution regulations to robust renewable energy investment. I will advocate for energy independence, emphasizing renewables manufacturing. West Virginia can lead in clean energy, driving economic prosperity while safeguarding our environment. We powered the world once; let’s do it again.

Racial Justice: I am steadfastly dedicated to equal protections for all. Racial justice is fundamental to our future. I support comprehensive policies, from criminal justice reform to economic opportunities, to tackle systemic inequalities. I believe these initiatives can guarantee fairness and equity for every American. As a leader, I'll address systemic racism through supporting a reparations program, empowering black-owned businesses, and supporting tribal sovereignty and indigenous rights. In these ways, we can build a more equitable society.

Veteran Support: I will prioritize veterans and advocate for comprehensive policies. This includes expanding job training and placement services, improving VA healthcare access, and tackling veteran homelessness with affordable housing. Under my leadership, I'll further address veterans' unique needs, emphasizing mental and physical healthcare access. I will also provide priority for veterans in renewable energy career opportunities, ensuring they have the support for healthy, fulfilling lives after their dedicated service.

Quality Education: I'll prioritize education by increasing resources for teachers, students, and schools. This includes addressing inadequate teacher pay, advocating for an ample supplies budget, and ensuring access to essential technological tools for success in our digital age. Additionally, I'll work towards fully funded public education, making public college tuition-free, and canceling student loan debt. Implementing a national hiring program for educators and support staff will ensure a sustainable reduction in staff size while maintaining educational quality and accessibility for all.

LGBTQIA2S+ & Reproductive Rights: I'll fiercely champion LGBTQIA2S+ rights, prioritizing inclusive policies and protections. Reproductive rights are non-negotiable, and I'll work to ensure individuals have agency over their own bodies. Trans rights are human rights, and I'll work tirelessly to dismantle discriminatory barriers. Medical decisions should remain between professionals and individuals or their guardians, free from government interference. Under my leadership, these principles will be steadfast, promoting a society of equality, autonomy, and respect for all.

Infrastructure: Ensuring the integrity of our nation's physical infrastructure is paramount. I will push for comprehensive investments to repair and modernize roads, bridges, and public spaces, prioritizing safety and functionality. Additionally, I recognize that rural broadband is now a fundamental utility, essential for education, healthcare, and economic growth. I'll champion the expansion of reliable high-speed internet to every community, leveling the playing field and enabling everyone to prosper in the digital age.

Taxes: I'll champion progressive tax policies for equity, ensuring the wealthy pay their fair share. We'll prioritize the needs of the many over the few, strengthening universal social security, protecting consumers, and making the child tax credit permanent. These steps will fund crucial public services, fostering a just and equitable society for all.

Housing Crisis: I'm committed to tackling the houselessness crisis head-on. I believe in comprehensive solutions. This includes implementing robust rent control measures to ensure affordability for all. I'll spearhead a substantial investment in public housing, creating safe, dignified homes for those in need. To fund this, we'll implement fair taxes on the wealthy and corporations. We can build a future where every person has a place to call home, ensuring stable and vibrant communities for all.[2]

—Zachary Shrewsbury’s campaign website (2024)[3]