Virginia's 8th District · 2026

Integrity.
Courage.
Commitment.

A U.S. Navy veteran, licensed Professional Engineer, and Northern Virginia mom — running for Congress in Virginia's 8th District to bring honest leadership back to our community.

Meet Shelly Donate →

What I'm Fighting For

Stronger Families

Supporting parents, seniors, and working families across our community.

Economic Opportunity

Growing jobs, supporting small businesses, lowering the cost of living.

Safe Communities

Backing our first responders and keeping our neighborhoods safe.

Quality Education

Investing in our schools and putting parents at the center of decisions.

Responsible Leadership

Fiscal accountability, transparency, and common-sense solutions.

About Shelly

A neighbor. A leader. A voice for us.

Shelly Arnoldi is a U.S. Navy veteran, licensed Professional Engineer, and accomplished leader with more than 27 years of experience managing major facilities and construction projects for the military, Department of Defense schools, and cultural institutions such as the Smithsonian and the National Gallery of Art.

Born and raised in Wisconsin, Shelly earned her engineering degree at Marquette University on a ROTC scholarship before completing a master's in environmental engineering at Old Dominion University. She came to Northern Virginia in 2010 and has raised her family here — two daughters and two stepsons, all of whom attended Fairfax County Public Schools.

She is a lifelong runner and triathlete, a proud wife and mother, and a Catholic whose faith and discipline shape her commitment to public service.

Years of Naval serviceU.S. Navy Civil Engineer Corps, 1991–2001

Years of engineering leadershipAcross federal, defense, and cultural projects

Advanced degreesMarquette University · Old Dominion University

Children raised in FairfaxAll attended Fairfax County Public Schools

Integrity ensures that leaders act with honesty, transparency, and accountability — always putting the needs of their constituents above personal or political gain.

Shelly ArnoldiOn the Qualities of Public Service

The Work Ahead

Priorities for Virginia's 8th.

Strong Schools, Strong Families

Put parents back at the center of their children's education. Defend parental rights. Ensure our schools return to teaching the fundamentals while respecting family values.

Lower Taxes, More Opportunity

Cut taxes and red tape that hurt small businesses so our local economy can thrive. Hold data centers responsible for their own energy and water — not at the expense of working families.

Honest, Accountable Government

Term limits. Transparent budgets. An end to the influence of special interests over the needs of constituents. I've signed the U.S. Term Limits pledge — and I'll keep it.

Safe Communities

Stand with our first responders. Enforce the laws on the books. Keep Northern Virginia the kind of place families want to raise children and seniors want to retire.