That's true in two different ways, and I'll explain both. But first, let me be clear about why I'm reaching out.
I'm Chris Shea — a retired Navy SEAL — and last night I became the Republican nominee for Congress in Connecticut's Fifth District. If you believe leadership should be earned and service should still mean something, I'm asking you to stand with me now, at the start of the general election.
In August of 2011, I was serving in Afghanistan as a Navy SEAL. Like most days over there, things were moving fast and plans were changing by the hour. I was slated to move from my outstation to supporting 2-troop.
Just days before transferring, the troop I was supposed to join got tasked as a quick reaction force in support of troops in contact. This is what became infamously known as Extortion 17.
I dodged a bullet that day. Actually an RPG.
Had things shifted a day or two, I'd have likely been on that flight.
Then a first-time candidate with zero political experience outraised that incumbent in the first quarter of this race. And last night, the voters of this district made me their nominee.
So I've gotten used to not being where I'm supposed to be.
Moments like 2011 don't make you dramatic. They make you serious. They make you understand that decisions matter and that someone always pays the price. I've spent my life in jobs where failure isn't abstract — where leadership means owning the outcome, good or bad.
That's why I'm running for Congress.
Not because I want a political career. I don't. I'm a firefighter. I have a job I'm proud of and I don't need this one.
But because this country needs more leaders who understand responsibility the hard way.
Here's my situation, plainly: we spent every dollar we had winning this primary. Twelve weeks from now this district votes, and right now I'm walking into that with an empty account against an incumbent with millions.
This campaign does not work without people stepping in early. If you're reading this, you're early.
