Clyde Shavers

Clyde Shavers
Member of the Washington House of Representatives from the 10th district
Incumbent
Assumed office January 9, 2023 Serving with Dave Paul
Preceded by	Greg Gilday
Personal details
Political party	Democratic
Alma mater	United States Naval Academy Yale Law School
Military service
Branch/service	United States Navy

Clyde Shavers is an American politician who has served as a Democratic member of the Washington House of Representatives from the 10th district since 2023. With a distinguished background in military service, legal education, and community involvement, Shavers has emerged as a dedicated public servant committed to addressing the diverse needs of his constituents. His career has been marked by his efforts to improve affordable housing, healthcare, education, and support for veterans and military families.

Clyde Shavers is endorsed by the Washington State Labor Council, police, nurses, teachers, and VoteVets. He is a 100% pro-choice advocate, environmental advocate, and champion for veterans and military families.

Career

Clyde Shavers serves as the state representative for Washington's 10th Legislative District. He currently serves as Vice Chair of the House Education Committee and is a member of the Capital Budget Committee, Innovation, Community & Economic Development Committee, and Veterans Committee. Shavers also serves on the Artificial Intelligence Task Force.

In his first term, Shavers was the lead sponsor of seven bills and cosponsor of thirty-two bills. Some of his legislative accomplishments include passing the first major fusion technology bill in Washington, developing an Allied Health Professions Career and Technical Education (CTE) program in schools, and establishing the Purple Star Award for military families.

Ahead of the November 2022 election against Republican incumbent Greg Gilday, Clyde Shavers faced public accusations from his father, alleging that he had inflated his military record and misrepresented himself as an attorney. Shavers addressed these accusations by stating that he had not served as a submarine officer and clarifying that, while he had completed his law degree, he had not yet passed the bar exam. He explained that any confusion regarding his professional status in a state disclosure filing was unintentional.

The voters of Washington's 10th Legislative District showed their support for Shavers, electing him by a margin of 211 votes.

Legislative Achievements

HB 1985 - Increasing Retirement Benefits: Increases retirement benefits for teachers and public employees under TRS Plan 1 and PERS Plan 1. HB 2308 - Affordable Housing Tax Incentives: Provides tax incentives for converting underutilized commercial properties into affordable housing. HB 2326 - Health Care Curriculum Development: Develops healthcare curriculums in high schools. HB 1658 - Financial Education and Work Experience Credit: Promotes financial literacy and allows students to earn academic credit for paid work experience.

Military Career

Shavers served in the U.S. Navy for eight years, with deployments in the Middle East at U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/U.S. 5th Fleet and Southeast Asia at Destroyer Squadron 7.

Early Life and Education

Clyde Shavers graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy with Honors in 2013. During his navy career, he graduated from Naval Nuclear Power School (NNPS) in South Carolina and Defense Information School (DINFOS) in Maryland. He attended Yale Law School using the GI Bill while serving in the U.S. Navy Reserves and graduated with a Juris Doctor in 2022.

Community Involvement

Shavers lives on Whidbey Island and practices law at Lyda Law Firm. He serves on the board of Skagit Friendship House, supporting Mount Vernon's homeless and working poor. He previously served on the boards of South Whidbey's Goosefoot, working on affordable housing, and the Whidbey Veteran Resources Center, serving veterans and military families.