GSU Library Research Guides: Ellen Rafshoon Oral Histories: H

Hutchinson, Shelly

Interviewee: Shelly Hutchinson
Interviewer: Ellen Rafshoon
Date of Interview:

Biography:

Abstract:
In this interview, Shelly Hutchinson explains her enhanced level of political activism as a candidate for House District 107 in Gwinnett County. Her professional background is in social work and she teaches as an adjunct professor at the University of Georgia. Women's issues and family issues rate high among her reasoning for running for office, as well as Trump's victory in the 2016 election.

Abstract:
Democrat Sally Hutchinson represents House District 107 in the Georgia legislature. Originally from New Orleans, she graduated from Louisiana State University with a degree in criminal justice and moved to the Atlanta area in 1993. She resides with her family in suburban Gwinnett County. After earning a graduate degree in social work from the University of Georgia, she started a business called Social Empowerment Center. An interest in politics led her to campaign for Barak Obama and her decision to seek political office herself dates from her positive experiences in the field and her negative reaction to the election of Donald Trump in 2016. Hutchinson won election to the Georgia legislature in 2018 and has been reelected since that time. As a legislator, she is interested in issues involving women and children, healthcare, and gun control.