Shelly Simonds

Shelly Simonds is a dedicated public servant, educator, and environmental advocate who currently serves in the Virginia House of Delegates. Her journey in public service began in 2012 when she was elected to the Newport News School Board on a platform centered around supporting teachers and advancing workforce development. As a former teacher herself, she remains deeply connected to the educational community and continues to champion policies that make Virginia a top state for public education.

Simonds is also a longtime environmental activist. Her first experience walking the halls of the Virginia General Assembly came nearly two decades ago as a volunteer with the League of Conservation Voters, advocating for clean energy. Her combined passion for education and the environment ultimately inspired her to run for the House of Delegates.

Simonds’s political path has been shaped by perseverance—marked by wins, losses, and even a tied election in 2017. Through it all, she has remained grounded in the belief that elected office is not about power or titles, but about service, accessibility, and a commitment to listening and finding real solutions for her community.