Shaffer was the Democratic nominee for Colorado's 4th Congressional District in 2012, but lost to then incumbent Republican Cory Gardner in the general election.

[1][2] Brandon Shaffer was born on March 22, 1971, in Denver and graduated from East High School in 1989, having served as the "Head Boy" and Student Body President.

During his final year in Japan he became a substitute teacher and taught English to Japanese students at a local YMCA.

Following graduation, Shaffer continued his political career serving as the Boulder County Get out the Vote coordinator again in 2002.

[3] On July 4, 2011, Shaffer announced that he was running for Congress from Colorado's 4th District, challenging incumbent Cory Gardner.