West Virginia House of Delegates District 78 candidate surveys, 2022

Elections in West Virginia, 2022

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On the ballot:  • U.S. House • State Senate • House of Delegates • State ballot measures • Municipal

This article shows responses from candidates in the 2022 election for West Virginia House of Delegates District 78 who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey.

• Click here to see candidates and election results.
• Click here to see Candidate Connection survey responses.

Candidates and election results

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

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 5,397
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses

Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Survey responses from candidates in this race

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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.

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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?

Eugene Chiarelli (R)

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?

Eugene Chiarelli (R)

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?

Eugene Chiarelli (R)

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?

Eugene Chiarelli (R)

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?

Eugene Chiarelli (R)

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?

Eugene Chiarelli (R)

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?

Eugene Chiarelli (R)

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?

Eugene Chiarelli (R)

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?

Eugene Chiarelli (R)

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?

Eugene Chiarelli (R)

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?

Eugene Chiarelli (R)

Wolves at the Door by Yngwie Malmsteen

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

Eugene Chiarelli (R)

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?

Eugene Chiarelli (R)

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?

Eugene Chiarelli (R)

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?

Eugene Chiarelli (R)

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.

Eugene Chiarelli (R)

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?

Eugene Chiarelli (R)

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?

Eugene Chiarelli (R)

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?

Eugene Chiarelli (R)

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?

Eugene Chiarelli (R)

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.

See also

More about these elections:

• West Virginia House of Delegates elections, 2022

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