Hugh Shine


Hugh D. Shine is a retired United States Army Colonel, financial advisor, and politician. He is a Republican member of the Texas House of Representatives, representing the 55th District. Shine defeated incumbent Molly White in the 2016 Republican primary and went on to win the November 2016 general election. He previously served two terms in the Texas House of Representatives from 1986 to 1990 before vacating his seat to run unsuccessfully for the United States House of Representatives.

Early life

Shine was born July 27, 1952, in the city of Houston in Harris County, Texas. After growing up in Navasota, Texas, Shine was awarded an Army ROTC scholarship to Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas. He graduated with a B.A. in business administration and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army.

Military career

After receiving his commission, Second Lieutenant Shine completed a basic officer course at Fort Knox, Kentucky. He was then assigned to the U.S. Army Aviation Center and School for flight training as a helicopter pilot. Shine's active duty assignments included South Korea and Fort Hood, Texas before separating from active duty at the rank of captain after six years of service. After leaving active duty, Shine continued his military service in the Texas Army National Guard. While a National Guard member, Shine attended the U.S. Army War College, where he completed an M.A. in strategic studies. He commanded aviation units, including the aviation brigade of the 49th Armored Division, garrisoned at Camp Mabry, Austin, Texas, and following that assignment, Shine retired from the military at the rank of colonel with 30 years of service.

Career as a financial advisor

In 1983, shortly after separating from active duty and while a member of the National Guard, Shine began a civilian career as a financial advisor in Bell County, Texas, in the city of Temple. Shine completed an M.B.A. from Baylor University and later an investment associate certificate through the executive education program of the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania.