Tell us a little bit about yourself and your experience/accomplishments.
My name is Christopher Toney, and I am honored to serve District 43 in the House of Delegates. I am a proud, lifelong resident of Raleigh County and work as a school bus operator. I recently married my wife Molly (Sigmon) Toney in December, and she serves as a school counselor in Wyoming County. Together, we make several connections with our friends, families, schools, churches, and supporters to ensure that those closest to us are being heard.
From Clear Creek to Kopperston, I’ve been privileged to meet hundreds of families throughout my district that are excited to see the progress being made in their communities, and they are ready for their representatives in Charleston to keep pursuing the issues most important to them.
I started my career as a custodian with Raleigh County Schools, worked as a bus and classroom aide, and continued to work as I obtained degrees from New River Community and Technical College and Concord University. I continue to work closely with leaders across the country that are paving the way in infrastructure, business, education, and more to bring as many resources to our state as possible.
What motivated you to run for House of Delegates, or if you’re an incumbent, what made you seek reelection?
In 2017, there were several issues facing employment security and the lack of economic growth opportunities in my area. I noticed a change in employment numbers within local school systems and decided to investigate to see where state and federal funds were going- considering job losses were that significant. Service personnel, school professional staff, state employees, and more were receiving astronomical cuts across multiple departments in the midst of staff shortages. As I requested spending reports and collaborated with other state employees, I recognized a serious problem in local and state leadership and decided to take action. I felt there needed to be more representation for West Virginia’s working class in the legislature, and also someone who held constitutional and conservative values. I was elected to the legislature the following year to continue fighting corruption, standing up for working families, and defending our shared West Virginia values.
What are some issues affecting West Virginia currently that you would like to see addressed and fixed? How would you fix those issues?
Within my district and across the state, I hear several families discuss issues that are reflective of their values, their jobs, and their children. Building and maintaining sustainable infrastructure, ensuring access to safe water sources, diversified economic growth and job opportunities, securing state employee benefits, highlighting career and technical education, addiction recovery opportunities, veteran benefits, healthcare, cell phone coverage in remote areas, and so much more matter to the people of West Virginia. I am proud to say that many of the bills I’ve proposed, sponsored, or co-sponsored have addressed several of these issues and more.
What makes you stand out from the rest of the candidates, what do you bring to the table that they don’t?
As someone who has been working since I was 15 years old, I did not grow up in the political or social elite. My family consists of humble, hardworking, faith-based coal miners, fathers, mothers, and caregivers. As a working class citizen myself, I do not sit behind a seat in Charleston thinking and speaking from an outsider’s perspective. I’m not above anybody else, and I am happy to work across the aisle to create common sense solutions to our very real issues.
My voting record and voting attendance record will speak for itself. I will continue to work for families, businesses, schools, and organizations in receiving greater opportunities and less government interference. Several candidates may make promises, but with or without a title, my values and focus still remains the same. As a proud southern West Virginian, I’d like to encourage the next generation to learn and excel by both honoring our rich heritage and expanding economic growth opportunities.
Is there anything else voters should know about you and your campaign?
I would like to thank each and every one of my supporters, family members, friends, and neighbors for their support in my campaign efforts to bring new opportunities to our state, defending our values, and helping those in need of change. I will continue dedicating my time, efforts, and service to the best people in the greatest state of our country. Thank you.