Biography
Michael Skelly is running for Congress in the Seventh Congressional District of Texas. Skelly came to the U.S. from Ireland with his family when he was two years old aboard the S.S. America, arriving on American shores with only $200 to their name. After attending public schools, Michael went to the University of Notre Dame and Harvard Business School with the help of student loans and Pell Grants.
Michael led the development of Horizon Wind Energy from the ground up. Nine years later, it is a multi-billion dollar operation, the third largest wind energy company in the country. By the end of the year, the Houston-based business will generate enough electricity to meet the needs of nearly one million American homes. Michael has been one of the leading innovators in his field, having worked in dozens of states to increase the amount of domestically-produced energy powering American homes.
Growing up, Michael's parents engrained in him the notion that with success comes responsibility. It was that guiding principle that led him to join the Peace Corps after college and that same principle that led him into the renewable energy business.
It is also that same guiding principle that has led Michael to run for Congress. Michael believes that the challenges confronting our country cannot be solved by the kind of partisan battling that embroils Washington. Solving our nation's problems will require pragmatic consensus-builders like Michael, whether addressing a growing economic and energy crisis, or combating threats to our national security.
As a successful businessman, Michael understands the global economy. He has created hundreds of jobs here in Texas, has managed a global supply chain, and has had direct experience with international markets. As an energy expert, Michael will bring a balanced energy approach to Congress, where he will seek to increase domestic production of all sources of energy, from oil and gas to renewable technologies. He will reduce our dependence on foreign oil, work to balance our budget, and fight hard to stop wasteful spending.
Michael's campaign received national attention when he raised more money than any candidate, incumbent or challenger, Democrat or Republican, running for the House of Representatives this year. He has been winning over opinion makers at the local and national level, and is receiving the support of Democrats, Republicans, and Independents alike.
Michael serves on Mayor White's Green Building Advisory Committee, is a longtime member of the board of the American Wind Energy Association, and has served on the boards of several other nonprofits and companies. He lives in Houston with his wife, Anne, and their three children, ages 15, 13, and 11. The Skelly family attends St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church.