Shipley was elected to the Tennessee House of Representatives as a member of the 106th General Assembly in 2008 after defeating three-term incumbent Nathan Vaughn In 2010, he was re-elected to the 107th General Assembly, again defeating Democrat Nathan Vaughn, this time with more than 60% of the electorate. In 2012, Shipley was reelected for a third consecutive term with almost 70% of the electorate. In 2014, Shipley lost the Republican nomination to Bud Hulsey after earning only 40% of the primary votes cast. In 2016, Shipley reappeared in state politics to run for the Tennessee state senate 4th district seat being vacated by Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey. However, Jon Lundberg was elected to fill that seat.
Notable recognition
Shipley served in the 106th General Assembly on the HouseHealth and Human Services and Transportation Committees as well as the Public Safety and Professional Occupations Sub-committees. He was awarded Legislator of the Year 2009, his first year in office, by both the American Automobile Association and the Tennessee Psychological Association. In reference to his Legislator of the Year award from the Tennessee Psychological Association, TPA President Mark Phillips stated, "This comes on behalf of his tireless efforts to ensure access to appropriate mental health care to all Tennesseans. Rep. Shipley sponsored TPA-backed legislation recognizing that mental health problems need mental health specialists." In addition, TPA Director of Legislative and Professional Affairs Lance Laurence stated, "Tony Shipley's experience in the United States military and as a private sector critical care Paramedic provides him with a unique understanding of the problems with the delivery of mental health services." In 2010, his second year in office, he was selected as Legislator of the Year by the Rural Health Association of Tennessee.
Other
On February 3, 2012, Shipley came to the aid of a man outside of a Nashville Hotel who had gone into a seizure. Shipley, a Kingsport native with training as a paramedic, came to the aid of a Franklin-based Passport Health Communications Inc. 34-year-old employee. Passport Vice President Max Carter stated, ""As a result of Representative Shipley's quick action what could have been a truly horrible situation was averted. Moreover, in a time when many healthcare professionals, and just people in general, are afraid to assist in similar situations due to fear of lawsuits, etc, I thought Mr. Shipley's actions should be noted. I have no idea what his training or background is but he was relaying vitals to 911 like a pro and telling us exactly what to do."
