Christopher Shays
U.S. Congress, Connecticut's 4th District

Congressman Christopher Shays has served us with honor and integrity in Congress since August 18, 1987, when Connecticut’s Fourth District voted him to succeed the late Stewart McKinney in a special election. Ever since, Shays has been a committed advocate for the needs of his constituents.

As a moderate Republican, he has grown into national leadership, and along the way has provided an independent and effective voice for clean and honest government. His work is at the forefront of the most important issues Congress faces today. Shays’ work in Congress has saved taxpayers money, protected our environment, and made our nation safer.

In the aftermath of the September 11 tragedy, he has sought to ensure we are better prepared for and working hard to prevent future attacks. In his subcommittee, Shays played an integral part in the creation and organization of the Department of Homeland Security. With his expertise, Shays was then a natural appointment to the Committee on Homeland Security.

Shays has been a leader in Congress in providing oversight of our military’s efforts in Iraq. He was the first Member of Congress to enter Iraq after the start of the war, in April 2003, and has traveled to that country twenty times. Traveling at times without the protection of the U.S. military, and speaking directly with Iraqis, Shays has brought an independent perspective to the challenges faced by our reconstruction efforts there.

He and his wife, Betsi – his high school sweetheart – grew up in Darien and reside in Bridgeport. Their daughter, Jeramy, is currently studying environmental law at Yale University.

For more information, please visit http://www.shaysforcongress.org/.