Eugene Chiarelli

Eugene Chiarelli

Republican Party

Candidate, West Virginia House of Delegates District 78

West Virginia House of Delegates District 78

Tenure

2022 - Present

Term ends

2026

Years in position

2

Compensation

Base salary

$20,000/year

Per diem

$75/day for members who commute daily. $175/day for members who do not commute daily.

Elections and appointments

Last elected

November 5, 2024

Next election

May 12, 2026

Education

Bachelor's

West Virginia University, 2018

Personal

Religion

Catholic

Profession

Substance abuse counselor

Contact

Official website

Campaign Facebook

Campaign Twitter

Personal Facebook

Eugene Chiarelli (Republican Party) (also known as Geno) is a member of the West Virginia House of Delegates, representing District 78. He assumed office on December 1, 2022. His current term ends on December 1, 2026.

Chiarelli (Republican Party) is running for re-election to the West Virginia House of Delegates to represent District 78. He declared candidacy for the Republican primary scheduled on May 12, 2026.^[source]

Biography

Geno Chiarelli earned a bachelor's degree from West Virginia University in 2018. His career experience includes working as a substance abuse counselor and with child protective services in Marion County.

Sponsored legislation

The following table lists bills this person sponsored as a legislator, according to BillTrack50 and sorted by action history. Bills are sorted by the date of their last action. The following list may not be comprehensive. To see all bills this legislator sponsored, click on the legislator's name in the title of the table.

Committee assignments

Note: This membership information was last updated in September 2023. Ballotpedia completes biannual updates of committee membership. If you would like to send us an update, email us at: editor@ballotpedia.org.

2023-2024

Chiarelli was assigned to the following committees:

• House Education Committee
• Fire Departments and Emergency Medical Services Committee
• House Government Organization Committee
• Senior, Children, and Family Issues Committee

Elections

2026

See also: West Virginia House of Delegates elections, 2026

General election

The primary will occur on May 12, 2026. The general election will occur on November 3, 2026. General election candidates will be added here following the primary.

Republican primary election

Republican primary for West Virginia House of Delegates District 78

Incumbent Eugene Chiarelli is running in the Republican primary for West Virginia House of Delegates District 78 on May 12, 2026.

		Candidate
		Eugene Chiarelli

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined.
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Endorsements

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2024

See also: West Virginia House of Delegates elections, 2024

General election

General election for West Virginia House of Delegates District 78

Incumbent Eugene Chiarelli defeated Diane Market Gaston in the general election for West Virginia House of Delegates District 78 on November 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Eugene Chiarelli (R)	55.7	4,641
	Submit photo	Diane Market Gaston (D)	44.3	3,694

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 8,335
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for West Virginia House of Delegates District 78

Diane Market Gaston advanced from the Democratic primary for West Virginia House of Delegates District 78 on May 14, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Submit photo	Diane Market Gaston	100.0	1,226

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 1,226
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Republican primary election

Republican primary for West Virginia House of Delegates District 78

Incumbent Eugene Chiarelli advanced from the Republican primary for West Virginia House of Delegates District 78 on May 14, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Eugene Chiarelli	100.0	1,603

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 1,603
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Chiarelli in this election.

2022

See also: West Virginia House of Delegates elections, 2022

General election

General election for West Virginia House of Delegates District 78

Eugene Chiarelli defeated Jeffrey Budkey in the general election for West Virginia House of Delegates District 78 on November 8, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Eugene Chiarelli (R)	56.6	3,056
		Jeffrey Budkey (D)	43.4	2,341

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 5,397
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for West Virginia House of Delegates District 78

Jeffrey Budkey advanced from the Democratic primary for West Virginia House of Delegates District 78 on May 10, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Jeffrey Budkey	100.0	721

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 721
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Republican primary election

Republican primary for West Virginia House of Delegates District 78

Eugene Chiarelli defeated Toni DiChiacchio and Scott Nale in the Republican primary for West Virginia House of Delegates District 78 on May 10, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Eugene Chiarelli	36.8	444
		Toni DiChiacchio	31.8	384
	Submit photo	Scott Nale	31.4	379

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 1,207
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Campaign themes

2026

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

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You can ask Eugene Chiarelli to fill out this survey by using the button below.

2024

Eugene Chiarelli did not complete Ballotpedia's 2024 Candidate Connection survey.

2022

Eugene Chiarelli completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2022. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Chiarelli's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a substance abuse counselor who is tired of waiting for our legislators to do something about the problems running rampant in my state. I'm running on a platform that puts West Virginians first. I can't sit by any longer and let our leaders squabble over fine print. I have firsthand experience dealing with those directly affected by the opioid crisis and I offer a valuable perspective and several solutions that can potentially turn the tide in my state's battle. I bring to the table a traditional conservative mindset that is pro-life, pro-family, pro-worker, and pro-gun. I’m a conservative that plans on actually attempting to preserve our values and our faith. Above all else, I look forward to doing everything I can to bring West Virginia, and myself, closer to Jesus Christ.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• The opioid crisis needs to be our number one focus because we can't build a healthy and functioning society with a pervasive sickness running rampant.
• We need to renew our dedication to building a society that promotes Christian family values.
• Our government needs to establish industry practices that make West Virginia more attractive to outside businesses.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Given my past in child protective services and my current experience in substance abuse counseling, I am personally passionate about working to undo the damage done by the opioid epidemic. I can see what it has done to our communities and I'd bet that there isn't a single West Virginia who doesn't know someone personally affected by the opioid crisis if they haven't been affected themselves.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

More than anything or anyone, I look up to the Lord Jesus Christ. It was through finding Christ that I found the passion and desire to run for public office. While I'll fall miles short of Him, I can only hope to imitate a mere fraction of His grace. Second, I look up to my mother. She has fought tooth and nail to give me the life that I've had, and even with all of the ups and downs, she never stopped working. I have yet to see someone with a similar work ethic and I try and make her proud each and every day.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Integrity, transparency, and a faithful commitment to their beliefs and values.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I am unafraid to stand firm in my beliefs and defend them in the face of opposition. I have a clear vision for what I want to accomplish and I plan on acting with complete transparency. I want to truly be the voice of West Virginians in the legislature and plan on actively including them every step of the way.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The core responsibilities include bringing the needs of your district to the state legislature, identifying ways you can improve the state via policy, and starting conversations about the issues you think are most pressing and getting your coworkers involved in the discussion.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I'd like to leave behind a legacy that includes contributions to a better society. I would like to look back and be able to point to concrete things I've done or helped others with that changed my state and country for the better.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

My first ever historical moment that I remember was 9/11. I was six years old and I remember my 1st grade teacher announcing to the class that we were going home early. I remember going home and seeing my parents standing in front of our TV while the towers burned.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My first job ever was a job at a grocery store called Shop n Save. I started work less than a week after I turned 16 years old. I worked as a grocery bagger and cart handler for about six months before being offered a raise at a fast food restaurant on the other side of town.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki is one of the most useful books I've ever read. A terrific blend of business oriented and lifestyle mindsets that promote success. Reading this book was a turning point for me mentally.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Wolves at the Door by Yngwie Malmsteen

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

The relationship needs to be a give and take. There needs to be synergy between the two; the governor needs to bring identified issues to the attention of the legislature for them to draft policy, and the legislature needs to bring the concerns of the people of their respective districts to the attention of the governor. Together, the two can achieve results as long as there is communication and transparency.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

West Virginia's greatest challenge is defeating the opioid crisis and releasing the state from it's clutches. The long term damage is incalculable and we need to spend the majority of our time solving it. The benefits of a restoration of the population and a revitalization of our workforce will flow over into every area of our lives; health care facilities, prisons, police forces, foster care system, welfare population, et cetera the list goes on and on.

What are the benefits and drawbacks of a unicameral state legislature, in your opinion?

If your desired party retains a majority, they'll be unopposed and can enact change with little resistance. Change would come faster and more policy could pass if we had to worry about fewer people in office. On the negative side, this can lead to the complete silencing of the minority party and the people they represent.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

There are a few practical reasons that having prior experience is important for; however, given the current climate of our society, it seems safe to assume that a large number of politicians in office have become stagnant. The water is warm for newcomers to enter the playing field and shake up the system. Passionate, everyday people that are unburdened by prior learned bad behaviors or habits. Fresh faces in office might be the jolt that our legislatures need.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Building relationships with other legislators seems crucial for getting your agenda accomplished. The more legislators you network with, the more you can accomplish when you present your ideas or policies as you have a greater force advocating for it instead of a lone proprietor.

What process do you favor for redistricting?

Redistricting is often done in an attempt to tip the scales in one party or the other's favor. I have to say that I'm in favor of the single person district method, as that is what has given me the chance to run in an area that I wouldn't have been able to before. County lines are a good jumping off point for district lines.

If you are not a current legislator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

I'd like to end up on Health and Human Resources, as fighting the drug epidemic is my number one priority. I would also want to be a part of Education and/or Senior, Children, and Family Issues, as I've seen too many vulnerable people, namely children, go without someone standing up for them.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

I'd like to spend some time in the House of Delegates before considering a different office. If I can work with other likeminded legislators and truly change West Virginia for the better, I'd consider taking those same ideas to the national level. Until then, I'm concerned with my state and how I can make a local difference.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

I believe that there are some policy areas that will require compromise on both sides for effective legislation to pass. That being said, I believe that there are areas that can not have a single inch of concession as they are core components of the entire belief system.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

Campaign finance summary

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Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.

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Eugene Chiarelli campaign contribution history

Year	Office	Status	Contributions	Expenditures
2024*	West Virginia House of Delegates District 78	Won general	$24,232	$18,283
2022	West Virginia House of Delegates District 78	Won general	$20,123	$19,069
Grand total			$44,355	$37,353
Sources: OpenSecrets,  Federal Elections Commission ***This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
* Data from this year may not be complete

Scorecards

See also: State legislative scorecards and State legislative scorecards in West Virginia

A scorecard evaluates a legislator’s voting record. Its purpose is to inform voters about the legislator’s political positions. Because scorecards have varying purposes and methodologies, each report should be considered on its own merits. For example, an advocacy group’s scorecard may assess a legislator’s voting record on one issue while a state newspaper’s scorecard may evaluate the voting record in its entirety.

Ballotpedia is in the process of developing an encyclopedic list of published scorecards. Some states have a limited number of available scorecards or scorecards produced only by select groups. It is Ballotpedia’s goal to incorporate all available scorecards regardless of ideology or number.

Click here for an overview of legislative scorecards in all 50 states. To contribute to the list of West Virginia scorecards, email suggestions to editor@ballotpedia.org.

2024

To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2024, click [show].

In 2024, the West Virginia State Legislature was in session from January 10 to March 9. A special session began on September 30 and adjourned on October 8. Americans for Prosperity Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to economic issues. West Virginia Citizen's Defense League Legislators are scored on their votes on firearms issues. West Virginia Sierra Club Legislators are scored on their votes on environmental issues.

2023

To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2023, click [show].
In 2023, the West Virginia State Legislature was in session from January 11 to March 11. Americans for Prosperity Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to economic issues. The American Conservative Union Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues. West Virginia Chamber of Commerce Legislators are scored on their votes on business issues.

2022

To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2022, click [show].
In 2022, the West Virginia State Legislature was in session from January 12 to March 12. West Virginia Sierra Club Legislators are scored on their votes on environmental issues.

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Candidate

West Virginia House of Delegates District 78

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West Virginia House of Delegates District 78

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Footnotes

Political offices
Preceded by -	West Virginia House of Delegates District 78 2022-Present	Succeeded by -

[show]

Current members of the West Virginia House of Delegates

Leadership

Minority Leader:Sean Hornbuckle

Representatives

District 1

Pat McGeehan (R)

District 2

Mark Zatezalo (R)

District 3

Jimmy Willis (R)

District 4

Bill Flanigan (R)

District 5

Shawn Fluharty (D)

District 6

Jeffrey Stephens (R)

District 7

Charles Sheedy (R)

District 8

Bill Bell (R)

District 9

Trenton Barnhart (R)

District 10

Everette Anderson (R)

District 11

Bob Fehrenbacher (R)

District 12

Vernon Criss (R)

District 13

Scot Heckert (R)

District 14

Dave Foggin (R)

District 15

Erica Moore (R)

District 16

Joe Parsons (R)

District 17

Jonathan Pinson (R)

District 18

Jim Butler (R)

District 19

Kathie Crouse (R)

District 20

Sarah Drennan (R)

District 21

Jarred Cannon (R)

District 22

Daniel Linville (R)

District 23

Evan Worrell (R)

District 24

Patrick Lucas (R)

District 25

Sean Hornbuckle (D)

District 26

Matthew Rohrbach (R)

District 27

Michael Amos (R)

District 28

Ryan Browning (R)

District 29

Henry Dillon (R)

District 30

Jeff Eldridge (R)

District 31

Margitta Mazzocchi (R)

District 32

Josh Holstein (R)

District 33

Jordan Bridges (R)

District 34

Mark Dean (R)

District 35

Adam Vance (R)

District 36

S. Green (R)

District 37

Marty Gearheart (R)

District 38

Joe Ellington (R)

District 39

Doug Smith (R)

District 40

Roy Cooper (R)

District 41

Jordan Maynor (R)

District 42

Brandon Steele (R)

District 43

Christopher Toney (R)

District 44

Carl Roop (R)

District 45

Eric Brooks (R)

District 46

Jeff Campbell (R)

District 47

Denny Canterbury (R)

District 48

Tom Clark (R)

District 49

Stanley Adkins (R)

District 50

David Pritt (R)

District 51

Marshall Clay (R)

District 52

Tresa Howell (R)

District 53

Tristan Leavitt (R)

District 54

Mike Pushkin (D)

District 55

JB Akers (R)

District 56

Kayla Young (D)

District 57

Hollis Lewis (D)

District 58

Walter Hall (R)

District 59

Andy Shamblin (R)

District 60

Dana Ferrell (R)

District 61

Dean Jeffries (R)

District 62

Roger Hanshaw (R)

District 63

Lori Cowger Dittman (R)

District 64

Adam Burkhammer (R)

District 65

Carl Martin (R)

District 66

Jonathan Kyle (R)

District 67

Elias Coop-Gonzalez (R)

District 68

Chris Phillips (R)

District 69

Keith Marple (R)

District 70

Mickey Petitto (R)

District 71

Laura Kimble (R)

District 72

Clay Riley (R)

District 73

Bryan Smith (R)

District 74

Mike DeVault (R)

District 75

Phil Mallow (R)

District 76

Rick Garcia (D)

District 77

Joe Statler (R)

District 78

Eugene Chiarelli (R)

District 79

Evan Hansen (D)

District 80

John Williams (D)

District 81

Anitra Hamilton (D)

District 82

David McCormick (R)

District 83

George Street (R)

District 84

D.R. Jennings (R)

District 85

John Paul Hott (R)

District 86

Bryan Ward (R)

District 87

Gary Howell (R)

District 88

Rick Hillenbrand (R)

District 89

David Cannon (R)

District 90

George Miller (R)

District 91

Ian Masters (R)

District 92

Michael Hite (R)

District 93

Michael Hornby (R)

District 94

Larry Kump (R)

District 95

Charles Horst (R)

District 96

Lisa White (R)

District 97

S. Anders (R)

District 98

Joe Funkhouser (R)

District 99

Wayne Clark (R)

District 100

William Ridenour (R)

Republican Party (91)

Democratic Party (9)