Representative Willingham is a member of Metropolitan Baptist Church where he serves as a deacon, sings in the Male Chorus, and is a member of the Senior Usher Board. He and his wife, Alethea, live in Rocky Mount and have two grown children and four grandchildren.

Shelly Willingham - Wikipedia

NC House Dems - Shelly Willingham (House District 23)

Shelly Willingham is originally from Rocky Mount. He earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Elizabeth City State University. He lives with his wife, Alethea, in Rocky Mount and has two children and four grandchildren.

Willingham touts experience in re-election bid -  Rocky Mount Telegram

Shelly previously served on the Nash-Rocky Mount Board of Education and was a member of the Down East Partnership for Children, a nonprofit organization focused on early childhood education and development.

Shelly is currently a member of the North Carolina House of Representatives, representing District 23. He was first elected in 2014 and re-elected in 2016, 2018, 2020, and 2022. He is currently serving his fifth term.

Shelly currently serves as the State Representative for North Carolina District 23. He was first elected in 2014 and is serving his 5th term. He previously served as a State Representative for North Carolina District 70. He served one term from 2002 to 2003. He then served two terms on the Edgecombe County School Board. Finally he ran for North Carolina State Senate District 3 in 2004, 2006, and 2008, but did not win.

As of January 2, 2026, Shelly Willingham did not have a website or any information online.

Economy

Energy & the Environment

Healthcare

Voting & Elections

Public Safety

Supports early childhood education and family support services through nonprofit involvement.

- Supports early childhood education and family support services through nonprofit involvement.

Education

Foreign Policy and Immigration

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Shelly Willingham

Shelly Willingham- House District 23

North Carolina House of Representatives District 23 - Ballotpedia

Candidate takes second run at NC House seat | Local News ...

As of January 2, 2026, Shelly Willingham’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Supports increasing penalties for damaging property while rioting.

Shelly Willingham and his wife, Alethea, live in Rocky Mount. They have two grown children and four grandchildren. He is a member of Metropolitan Baptist Church.

Democrat Rep. Shelly Willingham sponsors anti-rioting bill

Shelly is currently a member of the North Carolina House of Representatives, representing District 23. He was first elected in 2014 and began serving in 2015. He is currently serving his fifth term.

Supports making Election Day a state holiday.

- Your State Representative participates in the legislative process at the state level. They are one of 129 members of the North Carolina House of Representatives. The North Carolina House of Representatives is the lower house of the North Carolina General Assembly (the state's lawmaking body).
- Your State Representative drafts laws, approves budgets, has oversight of the state executive branch, and debates and votes on proposed laws.
- In addition to drafting and voting on bills, your State Representative can serve on committees. This is important because many bills can be stalled in committee, preventing them making it to a vote.
- Your State Representative is responsible for representing your interests. They also are responsible for helping you navigate the state's services and bringing back resources to your district.
- State Representatives are elected to a 2-year term. There is no term limit.

Your representative and state lawmaker in North Carolina House of Representatives.