Shelly deZevallos is a business leader and aviation expert who serves as President of West Houston Airport, one of the nation's busiest general aviation hubs. Born and raised in Houston, she brings over 20 years of experience in Republican grassroots activism. DeZevallos holds a bachelor's degree in political science and Chinese from the University of Texas at Austin, an MBA from Texas A&M University, and a doctorate in education with aviation and space science focus from Oklahoma State University. She previously worked as a regional sales manager for Cessna and a regional representative for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. DeZevallos has 5,000+ hours of pilot experience and serves on federal and state aviation advisory committees. She advanced from the Republican primary on March 3, 2026 with 18.6% of the vote and is facing Jon Bonck in the May 26, 2026 runoff.
DeZevallos grew up in a local family business and became a national business leader in aviation. She has worked closely with community leaders on infrastructure issues and has served in advisory capacities to President Trump and Governor Abbott on transportation and business matters.