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Justin Shealy
Party:
Republican
Incumbent:
No
Previous experience in elected office:
None
Age:
34
Occupation:
Attorney; formerly a paralegal, financial crimes specialist and insurance company employee
Description:
Shealy wants CMS to focus on safe schools that prioritize student well-being, provide back-to-basics education focused on core academics, and enable curriculum transparency and parental involvement. He is also an advocate of fiscal responsibility that directs resources where they matter most—classrooms and teachers.
Other personal:
Shealy lives in the Steele Creek area. He has a bachelor’s degree from University of South Carolina Aiken and a JD from the Charlotte School of Law. He is a father, is a registered Republican and is endorsed by MeckGOP.
The Election Hub Questionnaire
Please provide demographic information about yourself to help voters (age, education, current occupation, where you live).
35 years old, I have a Juris Doctor from Charlotte School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of South Carolina at Aiken. I am a family law attorney specializing in high conflict child custody and child abuse/neglect cases. I live in the Steele Creek area of Charlotte.
Why are you running for this role and why should voters pick you? Please share any experience in an elected role that would be relevant to voters.
I’m running for the Board of Education because I believe families deserve a school system that prioritizes student achievement, safety, and transparency. As a family law attorney, I’ve spent my career advocating for children and helping families navigate systems that often fail to listen. I want to bring that same advocacy, professionalism, and accountability to CMS.
I understand the importance of fiscal responsibility, clear communication, and results-oriented leadership. I’ve served in leadership roles such as Vice President of the York County Bar Association and Co-Chair of the South Carolina Bar Young Lawyers Division Outreach Committee. These positions require collaboration, oversight, and trust.
Voters should choose me because I will approach every decision through the lens of what’s best for students and families, not politics or special interests. My goal is to restore confidence in CMS by focusing on academic excellence, empowering teachers, and ensuring parents are true partners in their children’s education.
What is one thing you would like to accomplish in the first six months if elected?
My first goal would be to strengthen communication and partnership with parents and teachers. I would work to establish regular opportunities for community feedback and improve how the district reports progress on academic goals and safety initiatives. When families feel heard and informed, our schools perform better, and that’s the foundation for lasting success.
Tell us about 2-3 professional accomplishments you have achieved in your work experience (not limited to public service) that give voters a sense of your leadership style or skills.
As an attorney, I’ve built a career advocating for children and families through some of life’s most challenging situations. One of my proudest accomplishments has been successfully representing parents to help reunify families and protect the best interests of children, work that requires compassion, problem-solving, and accountability.
I also serve as Vice President of the York County Bar Association and Co-Chair of the South Carolina Bar Young Lawyers Division Outreach Committee, where I’ve led community service projects and professional development initiatives across the state. These roles have strengthened my leadership skills in collaboration, organization, and results-driven decision-making.
What endorsements from any notable NC organizations or individuals have you received?
I’m honored to have received support from members of our community who believe in my commitment to accountability, transparency, and putting students first. While I haven’t sought a large number of formal endorsements, my focus has been on connecting directly with parents, teachers, and voters throughout District 6. I believe trust is earned through conversations, not politics.
Tell us something unexpected about you that voters may be interested to know.
One thing people may not know is that my wife and I are nearing the completion of the foster care licensing process and expect to receive a foster care placement any time now. Through my work as a family law attorney, I’ve seen the challenges that many children face in the system, and that experience inspired us to take action personally. It’s given me an even greater appreciation for the importance of family support, stability, and community involvement in every child’s success.