Craig Launches State Rep. Campaign

Surrounded by friends and supporters Shawn Craig, who is an Iraq war veteran, formally announced his candidacy for state representative on April 8. 

“Our state is facing many serious challenges. Our tax dollars are being wasted.  There have been too many scandals. Taxes have been repeatedly raised. And, there is no real accountability. We need new independent leadership that is only answerable to the people. Having served our nation in the Marine Corps, worked to restore integrity within the financial industry, and been an active member of the Upton finance committee, I have the necessary experience to make a positive difference for the people of Grafton, Northbridge and Upton. So today I am proud to officially kick off my campaign for the Massachusetts House of Representatives,” said Craig. 

In 2003, Craig gave up his financial planning practice when he was called to active duty with the Marine Forces Reserve. He was deployed to Iraq with Delta Company, 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion. His military awards include the Combat Action Ribbon and Presidential Unit Citation.  

Craig plans to focus on growing jobs, accountability of tax dollars, lowering the tax burden and restoring integrity to the Statehouse. 

“Like the financial industry, there needs to be more transparency at the State House. I have successfully held people accountable for fraudulent business practices. I will use my expertise to shed light on the process and restore people’s faith in the system.  We need more people with private sector experience, not professional politicians, within the House of Representatives,” said Craig. 

“We cannot be satisfied with 6.5% unemployment. My plan is to help our local businesses create jobs by reducing onerous regulations and hefty taxes. We need to get state government off the back of the small businesses that create the majority of new jobs.  By employing more people, we can revive our economy and put Massachusetts back on track,” said Craig. 

Craig is a member of the Upton Finance Committee and is the liaison to the Mendon Upton Regional School District. He is also the Vice-Chairman of the Mendon-Upton Multi-Board Task Force. In addition, he is a member of the VFW and Upton Men’s Club.  

Professionally, Craig has 18 years of private sector experience with the majority spent within the financial service industry.  He worked for the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) for 8.5 years where he investigated broker-dealers for compliance with federal securities laws and FINRA rules and regulations.  One investigation of which he was the team lead resulted in the discovery of fraud and misrepresentation at a firm located in Braintree, MA.  Craig drafted a referral whereby the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission became engaged along with the FBI.  The firm’s owner was detained October 2, 2012 and sentenced in April 2013 to 17 years in federal prison plus 3 years supervised probation and $9 million in restitution. Craig left FINRA in 2013 to start a consulting business focused on helping small broker-dealers.

Craig earned his B.A. from Roanoke College, where he double majored in International Relations and Business, and an M.S. in Finance from Suffolk University in Boston.

Submitted by the Craig for Representative campaign.