meet shea

A combat veteran turned mental health advocate with 8 years of military service and extensive experience as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Shea combines the discipline of his Army background with the compassion of his therapeutic practice to address Florida's most pressing challenges. As a husband and father, he understands the importance of building a stronger, healthier future for all Florida families.

A man with a beard and short dark hair smiling with arms crossed, standing in front of an outline of the state of Florida.
Photograph of a young man in a U.S. Army uniform, standing in front of an American flag. The man has a serious expression, and the uniform includes a black beret with a blue insignia, shoulder epaulets, and a name tag that reads ’CRUEL’.
Family of four smiling outdoors in a grassy field with a large tree behind them. The mother is wearing a blue dress, the father a white shirt and dark pants, the daughter a white top and blue skirt, and the baby a white outfit.

A Dedicated Leader for Florida's Future

Born in Atlanta, Georgia in 1986 and raised in Florida since the age of five, Shea Cruel has dedicated his life to service and mental health advocacy. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Mental Health Therapist, Shea brings a unique perspective to leadership—one grounded in understanding the needs of individuals and communities alike.

Shea's commitment to service began early, shaped by his education at a private Christian school where he developed strong values and a moral foundation. In 2009, he answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Army, where he proudly served for eight years, developing leadership skills and a deep appreciation for sacrifice and duty.

After his military service, Shea pursued higher education, earning both his undergraduate and graduates degrees in social work at Florida Atlantic University where he met his wife, also working towards her Bachelors & Masters of Social Work. Together they have two children - a daughter and son.

As a mental health professional, Shea has witnessed firsthand the challenges facing Florida families and has worked tirelessly to provide support and guidance. His unique combination of military discipline, clinical expertise and genuine compassion and empathy for people makes him exceptionally qualified to address the complex issues facing our state.

Shea Cruel is running for Governor because he believes in creating a Florida where every resident has access to quality healthcare, education, and opportunity—a Florida where families like his can thrive for generations to come.

Man with short dark hair, beard, and light brown skin sitting at a dark wooden desk, writing in a notepad with an open silver MacBook in front of him. Behind him are two wooden shelves holding framed photographs, decorative items, and signs including
A soldier in uniform standing in front of an American flag, with the name tag 'CRUEL' and 'U.S. ARMY' visible.
A smiling family of four outdoors, with a man holding a young girl and a woman holding a baby girl, standing in front of green trees and grass.
A man and young girl sitting on a blue playground slide at a park, surrounded by trees and a pavilion in the background.
A young soldier in military uniform holding papers and carrying a backpack, standing outside in front of a brick wall.
A man smiling and sitting on a couch with a gray dog in a living room.