Matt Fariss
Matt Fariss (Republican Party) was a member of the Virginia House of Delegates, representing District 59. He assumed office in 2012. He left office on January 10, 2024.
Fariss (independent) ran for re-election to the Virginia House of Delegates to represent District 51. He lost in the general election on November 7, 2023.
Biography
Fariss' professional experience includes co-owning and serving as vice president of the Lynchburg Livestock Market, managing farms and ranches, and operating a retail store.[1]
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
Fariss was assigned to the following committees:
- Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources Committee
- Appropriations Committee
- Health and Human Services Committee
- Public Safety Committee, Vice Chair
2020-2021
Fariss was assigned to the following committees:
2019-2020
Fariss was assigned to the following committees:
- Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources Committee
- Public Safety Committee
- House Finance Committee
2016 legislative session
At the beginning of the 2016 legislative session, Fariss served on the following committees:
| Virginia committee assignments, 2016 |
|---|
| • Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources |
| • Finance |
| • Militia, Police and Public Safety |
2015 legislative session
In the 2015 legislative session, Fariss served on the following committees:
| Virginia committee assignments, 2015 |
|---|
| • Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources |
| • Finance |
| • Militia, Police and Public Safety |
2014 legislative session
In the 2014 legislative session, Fariss served on the following committees:
| Virginia committee assignments, 2014 |
|---|
| • Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources |
| • Finance |
| • Militia, Police and Public Safety |
2012-2013
In the 2012-2013 legislative session, Fariss served on the following committees:
| Virginia committee assignments, 2012 |
|---|
| • Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources |
| • Militia, Police and Public Safety |
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.
Elections
2023
See also: Virginia House of Delegates elections, 2023
General election
General election for Virginia House of Delegates District 51
Eric Zehr defeated Kimberly Moran and incumbent Matt Fariss in the general election for Virginia House of Delegates District 51 on November 7, 2023.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Eric Zehr (R) | 72.6 | 18,934 |
 | Kimberly Moran (D) | 21.3 | 5,545 | |
 | Matt Fariss (Independent) | 6.0 | 1,574 | |
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.1 | 39 | ||
| Total votes: 26,092 | |||
 = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Democratic primary election
The Democratic primary election was canceled. Kimberly Moran advanced from the Democratic primary for Virginia House of Delegates District 51.
Republican convention
The Republican convention was canceled. Eric Zehr advanced from the Republican convention for Virginia House of Delegates District 51.
Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Fariss in this election.
2021
See also: Virginia House of Delegates elections, 2021
General election
General election for Virginia House of Delegates District 59
Incumbent Matt Fariss defeated Benjamin Moses and Louis Scicli in the general election for Virginia House of Delegates District 59 on November 2, 2021.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Matt Fariss (R) | 64.6 | 22,891 |
 | Benjamin Moses (D) | 32.2 | 11,421 | |
 | Louis Scicli (Independent) | 3.1 | 1,105 | |
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.1 | 41 | ||
| Total votes: 35,458 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Democratic primary election
The Democratic primary election was canceled. Benjamin Moses advanced from the Democratic primary for Virginia House of Delegates District 59.
Republican primary election
The Republican primary election was canceled. Incumbent Matt Fariss advanced from the Republican primary for Virginia House of Delegates District 59.
Campaign finance
2019
See also: Virginia House of Delegates elections, 2019
General election
General election for Virginia House of Delegates District 59
Incumbent Matt Fariss defeated Tim Hickey in the general election for Virginia House of Delegates District 59 on November 5, 2019.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Matt Fariss (R) | 63.2 | 16,447 |
 | Tim Hickey (D) | 36.7 | 9,543 | |
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.1 | 27 | ||
| Total votes: 26,017 | |||
| = 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. | ||||
2017
General election
Elections for the Virginia House of Delegates took place in 2017. All 100 house seats were up for election. The general election took place on November 7, 2017. A primary election took place on June 13, 2017. The filing deadline for primary election candidates was March 30, 2017. The filing deadline for non-party candidates and candidates nominated by methods other than a primary was June 13, 2017.[2] Incumbent Matt Fariss (R) defeated Tracy Carver (D), David Ball (Independent), and Marcus Sutphin (Green) in the Virginia House of Delegates District 59 general election.[3]
| Virginia House of Delegates, District 59 General Election, 2017 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
| Republican |  Matt Fariss Incumbent |
61.34% | 15,758 | |
| Democratic | Tracy Carver | 34.15% | 8,773 | |
| Independent | David Ball | 3.36% | 863 | |
| Green | Marcus Sutphin | 1.16% | 297 | |
| Total Votes | 25,691 | |||
| Source: Virginia Department of Elections | ||||
Democratic primary election
Tracy Carver ran unopposed in the Virginia House of Delegates District 59 Democratic primary.[4]
| Virginia House of Delegates, District 59 Democratic Primary, 2017 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Candidate | ||
| Tracy Carver | ||
Republican primary election
Incumbent Matt Fariss ran unopposed in the Virginia House of Delegates District 59 Republican primary.[5]
| Virginia House of Delegates, District 59 Republican Primary, 2017 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Candidate | ||
| Matt Fariss Incumbent | ||
2015
Elections for the Virginia House of Delegates took place in 2015. A primary election was held on June 9, 2015. The general election took place on November 3, 2015. The signature filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was March 26, 2015.[6] Incumbent Matt Fariss was unopposed in the Republican primary and was unchallenged in the general election.[7][8]
2013
Fariss won re-election in the 2013 election for Virginia House of Delegates District 59. Fariss ran unopposed in the June 11 Republican primary. He was unopposed in the general election, which took place on November 5, 2013.[9]
2011
On November 8, 2011, Fariss won election to District 59 of the Virginia House of Delegates. He obtained the Republican nomination and defeated Connie Brennan (D) and Linda Wall (I) in the November 8 general election.[10]
| Virginia House of Delegates, District 59 General Election, 2011 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
| Republican | Matt Fariss |
53.1% | 11,651 | |
| Democratic | Connie Brennan | 41.3% | 9,069 | |
| Independent | Linda Wall | 5.6% | 1,228 | |
| Total Votes | 21,948 | |||
Campaign themes
2023
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Matt Fariss did not complete Ballotpedia's 2023 Candidate Connection survey.
2021
Matt Fariss did not complete Ballotpedia's 2021 Candidate Connection survey.
2019
Matt Fariss did not complete Ballotpedia's 2019 Candidate Connection survey.
2017
As of August 2017, Fariss' website highlighted the following campaign themes:[11]
| “ |
Jobs Abortion Taxes and Spending Marriage Second Amendment |
” |
2011
Fariss' website highlighted the following campaign themes:[13]
| “ |
Excerpt: "As a small businessman, Matt has long been a job producer in the local economy for years. As delegate, he will apply the same common sense principles that he has learned in the private sector. He has firsthand knowledge of how stifling government regulations inhibit job creation. While in Richmond, Matt will work tirelessly to remove government obstacles to economic growth and will strive to ensure that job producers are rewarded and welcomed in our commonwealth."
Excerpt: "Matt believes that there is no more sacred right guaranteed to our citizens than the right to life. Beling raised with a mentally challenged uncle, Matt is all the more aware that ALL life is precious. In the House of Delegates, Matt will be a vigorous defender of the unborn. Throughout his time in office, Matt will author, support, and vote for any legislation that will protect life. Recognizing also that the value of life must be first and foremost in our society, Matt also believes that capital punishment is appropriate for those who take life."
Excerpt: "Matt understands that there is nothing that strangles economic development like excessive taxation. He is a firm believer that the commonwealth taxes too heavily and spends too wastefully. As delegate, "he will cut the fat" from Virginia's budget and fight against tax increases. Matt will be an ardent spokesman for Virginia's families and businesses that are over-taxed while also fighting to ensure that tax dollars are spent in the most effective manner."
Excerpt: "Matt is firmly opposed to any attempt to undermine traditional marriage through recognition of same sex couples. As delegate, he will oppose any effort on the state or local level to allow for marriage, partnership benefits, or recognition. Matt will work diligently to ensure that what has happened in New York and elsewhere will never happen in Virginia. He will be a constant and staunch ally of traditional marriage and the belief that such unions and recognition should only ever be between one man and one woman."[12] |
” |
Campaign finance summary
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.
Scorecards
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 Virginia scorecards, email suggestions to editor@ballotpedia.org.
2024
In 2024, the Virginia State Legislature was in session from January 10 to March 9. Special sessions occurred May 13, 2024; June 18 to July 1; and July 18, 2024.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to economic issues.
- Legislators are scored on their votes "on a variety of bills impacting equity, safety, access, and overall well being for LGBTQ+ Virginians."
- Legislators are scored on their votes on environmental and conservation issues.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to business issues.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to the Second Amendment.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to education.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to the manufacturing sector.
2023
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2023, click [show]. |
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In 2023, the Virginia State Legislature was in session from January 11 to February 25.
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2022
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2022, click [show]. |
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In 2022, the Virginia State Legislature was in session from January 12 to March 12.
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2021
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2021, click [show]. |
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In 2021, the Virginia State Legislature was in session from January 13 to February 8.
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2020
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2020, click [show]. |
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In 2020, the Virginia State Legislature was in session from January 8 to March 12. A special session was held from August 18 to November 9.
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2019
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2019, click [show]. |
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In 2019, the Virginia General Assembly was in session from January 9 through February 24.
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2018
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2018, click [show]. |
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In 2018, the Virginia General Assembly was in session from January 10 through March 10. Special sessions were held from April 11 to May 30 and from August 30 to October 30.
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2017
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2017, click [show]. |
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In 2017, the Virginia General Assembly was in session from January 11 through February 25.
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2016
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2016, click [show]. |
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In 2016, the Virginia General Assembly was in session from January 13 through March 11.
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2015
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2015, click [show]. |
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In 2015, the Virginia General Assembly was in session from January 14 to February 28, 2015.
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2014
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2014, click [show]. |
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In 2014, the Virginia General Assembly was in session from January 8 through March 10.
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2013
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2013, click [show]. |
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In 2013, the Virginia General Assembly was in session from January 9 to February 25.
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2012
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2012, click [show]. |
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In 2012, the Virginia General Assembly was in regular session from January 11 to March 10.
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Noteworthy events
Fariss indictment (2023-2024)
On March 8, 2023, Fariss was charged with one count of malicious wounding, one felony count of hit and run, and one count of reckless driving. Following the incident from the week prior, when a woman said Fariss struck her with his vehicle and then left the scene, he turned himself in. He was released on bond.[14]
Harris responded to the charges, saying "Though I’ve made some mistakes in my life. These allegations against me are untrue."[14]
Fariss was indicted on three felony counts of malicious wounding, leaving the scene of an accident, and reckless driving. He was also charged with misdemeanor improper driving. [15]
Acquittal on three felony counts (2024)
In March 2024, Farris was acquitted of three felony counts of malicious wounding, leaving the scene of an accident, and reckless driving. He was found guilty of a misdemeanor charge of improper driving, and was ordered to pay a $500 fine. [16]
Conviction on two felony counts (2024)
On November 13, 2024, Farris pleaded guilty to two counts of felony drug possession, and felony possession of a firearm while in possession of an illegal drug. He was sentenced in Campbell Circuit Court to three years in prison, all but 20 days of which was suspended. [17]
As part of his sentencing, Farris forfeited the right to possess or own firearms in the state of Virginia, and he can no longer hold statewide public office. [18]
See also
2023 Elections
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ mattfariss.com, "About," accessed August 22, 2017
- ↑ Virginia Department of Elections, "Candidacy Requirements for the November 7, 2017 General Election," accessed March 21, 2017
- ↑ Virginia Department of Elections, "2017 November General Unofficial Results," accessed November 7, 2017
- ↑ Virginia Department of Elections, "2017 June Democratic Primary," accessed July 6, 2017
- ↑ Virginia Department of Elections, "2017 June Republican Primary," accessed July 6, 2017
- ↑ Virginia State Board of Elections, "2015 November Election Calendar," accessed January 2, 2015
- ↑ Virginia Board of Elections, "2015 Primary election results," accessed September 1, 2015
- ↑ Virginia Board of Elections, "2015 General election candidates," accessed September 1, 2015
- ↑ Virginia Board of Elections, “Official Results - 2013 General Election," accessed December 2, 2013
- ↑ Virginia State Board of Elections, "November 2011 General Election Official Results," accessed May 15, 2014
- ↑ mattfariss.com, "On the Issues," accessed August 22, 2017
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ Matt Fariss, "Issues," accessed September 5, 2013
- ↑ 14.0 14.1 Washington Post, "Virginia delegate faces felony hit-and-run charges," March 8, 2023
- ↑ WDBJ 7 CBS (Roanoke, Virginia), "Former Virginia delegate found not guilty of felony hit-and-run charges," March 6, 2024
- ↑ WDBJ 7 CBS (Roanoke, Virginia), "Former Virginia delegate found not guilty of felony hit-and-run charges," March 6, 2024
- ↑ Lynchburg News and Advance, "Former Del. Matt Fariss," November 13, 2024
- ↑ Associated Press "Former GOP Virginia lawmaker Matt Fariss pleads guilty to felony gun and drug charges," November 15, 2024
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by - |
Virginia House of Delegates District 59 2012-2024 |
Succeeded by Buddy Fowler (R) |
