His ideals seemed to be in line with the traditionally conservative district and he did not have a legislative record.
However, this was not considered an upset, as the 1st has always been a rather conservative district (especially in the Memphis suburbs).
Many of the Democrats who voted for it are running in more conservative districts or face tough races.
A characteristically rural district, the 1st is one of the most conservative districts in the nation.
In his conservative district, he was voted the most popular school board member in both 1996 and 1999.
He frequently criticized black liberals in his predominantly white, conservative district.
Shimkus won by over 20,000 votes in this much more conservative district.
Others say she simply has an easy job in a conservative district.
Although Democrats have a 17-point edge in registration, the 13th is by far the most conservative district in the city.
And he is immensely popular, even in the state's most conservative districts.