Shelley Luther, a Texas woman who made headlines in 2020 for operating her salon despite COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, has made a surprising career move – she has been elected to represent the northeast 62nd district in the Texas state legislature. Luther’s decision to reopen her salon during lockdown led to her being jailed for seven days for civil and criminal contempt of court. However, she was released from jail after Texas Governor Greg Abbott intervened on her behalf.
Luther decided to reopen her salon after receiving calls from her hairstylists who were struggling to feed their kids due to the lockdown. This experience prompted her to take a stand against what she saw as unjust restrictions on businesses during the pandemic. After her release from jail, Luther decided to enter politics and run for office. Now, after winning the election with approximately 75% of the vote, she is set to represent her district in the state legislature.
During her campaign, Luther faced challenges, including a brain aneurysm that nearly took her life. Despite this setback, she remained determined to pursue her political aspirations. Reflecting on her journey, Luther expressed gratitude for her recovery from the brain injury and saw her election as an opportunity to make a difference in the state legislature. Although she was not heavily involved in politics before her salon controversy, Luther felt compelled to take action and bring about change at a higher level.
In an interview, Luther discussed the unequal treatment of businesses during the pandemic, pointing out that salons catering to Democratic leaders like Nancy Pelosi and Lori Lightfoot were allowed to remain open while others were forced to close. She highlighted the hypocrisy she observed in the enforcement of lockdown restrictions, which fueled her decision to challenge the status quo. Luther’s experience with the legal system and the harsh consequences she faced for defying lockdown orders shaped her perspective on issues of civil liberties and government overreach.
Luther’s story resonated with many Texans who viewed her as a symbol of resistance against government overreach and arbitrary restrictions. Her willingness to stand up for her beliefs and the rights of small businesses struck a chord with voters in her district, leading to her landslide victory in the election. By transitioning from salon owner to state legislator, Luther has embarked on a new chapter in her life, driven by a desire to advocate for the interests of her constituents and champion causes she believes in. Her unexpected journey from the big house to the state house serves as a testament to the power of individual determination and the impact that one person can have on shaping the course of politics.
