[1] Schellinger was raised the sixth of eight children in South Bend, Indiana.

He attended the University of Notre Dame, earning a degree in architecture.

On March 19, 2007, he filed his candidacy to run for governor against incumbent Republican Mitch Daniels but lost to fellow Democratic challenger Jill Long Thompson by 13,000 votes - less than 1 percent.

Schellinger had received early endorsements from Congresswoman Julia Carson, Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson, and by the UAW.

Schellinger raised $1.2 million during the second financial quarter, but was not able to beat Long Thompson despite her being outspent by a significant margin.