Shelley Luther, a Texas salon owner who became a national figure by defying COVID-19 lockdowns, has successfully secured a state House seat, winning nearly 78% of the vote in District 62. Luther’s victory serves as a powerful statement against government overreach, particularly during the pandemic when she risked arrest to reopen her business.
Luther’s defiance was born out of necessity — when her stylists were struggling to feed their families due to the forced shutdowns, she made the choice to open her salon. “We just made the decision to open back up, and I ended up in jail,” Luther told Fox News. Her actions, though controversial, were based on a belief in the importance of small businesses and the devastating effects of lockdowns.
Shelley Luther, the former Dallas salon owner who was put in jail after she reopened her salon during the COVID-19 pandemic, is heading to the Texas state house! This is the way!! 🤘 pic.twitter.com/m6dOit31Y1
— Jason (@Jason_The_Texan) November 10, 2024
During the pandemic, Luther’s salon was forced to remain closed while other businesses, such as dog grooming services, were allowed to operate. This stark contrast highlighted the arbitrary nature of the government mandates, a point Luther emphasized during her campaign. The image of her mugshot, showing her with unkempt hair, became a symbol of defiance, drawing attention to the inequalities many businesses faced during the lockdowns.
Luther’s election is a significant victory for those who believe in personal freedoms and the rights of individuals to make decisions for themselves. She has become a champion for small business owners and individuals who were hurt by what many viewed as excessive government restrictions. Her victory shows that voters are ready for leaders who will fight for freedom and stand up against the kind of government control that many experienced during the pandemic.
THIS IS A MUST WATCH
Hair Stylist Shelley Luther was told she could avoid jail time if she apologized for not closing her hair salon until it was allowed to open.
LISTEN TO WHAT SHE TOLD THE JUDGE pic.twitter.com/HAyi8pWCIW
— Terrence K. Williams (@w_terrence) May 6, 2020
Some REAL Rock Stars here!
.@AndyHopperTX .@ShelleyLuther .@realmitchlittle @NateSchatzline #txlege pic.twitter.com/QynmeYqAxr— Jennifer in North Texas 🇺🇸 (@jenlm4patriots) November 12, 2024
Despite facing personal challenges, including a brain aneurysm that left her hospitalized for nearly a month, Luther’s resolve remains unbroken. Her recovery has only strengthened her determination to push back against government overreach and advocate for those who feel their voices were ignored during the pandemic.
Congratulations to Liberty champion, @ShelleyLuther! #txlege #makelibertywin pic.twitter.com/HNCJjIifp7
— Young Americans for Liberty (@YALiberty) November 6, 2024
As a state representative, Luther will continue to be a strong advocate for the rights of Texans, fighting to ensure that no one is ever again subjected to the kind of government overreach she experienced during the pandemic.