Christopher Wayne Toney (born February 13, 1988) is an American politician who has served as a Delegate from the 31st District to the West Virginia House of Delegates since 2018. He is a Republican.
Chris Toney | |
|---|---|
| Member of the West Virginia House of Delegates from the 31st district | |
| Assumed office 2018 | |
| Preceded by | Chanda Adkins |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Christopher Wayne Toney February 13, 1988 |
| Political party | Republican |
| Education | B.A., Concord University |
Early life, education, and career edit
Toney was born to Gregory Toney and Emma Shrewsbury. He received a B.A. in History and Special Education from Concord University. He operated a school bus before assuming office.[1][2]
Elections edit
2018 edit
In his first primary, Toney defeated incumbent Chanda Adkins with 51.16% of the vote.[3]
In the general election, Toney defeated Democrat Richard Snuffer with 55.76% of the vote to win his seat in the House of Delegates.[4]
2020 edit
In Toney's second primary election, he defeated fellow Republican Kase Poling with 56.60% of the vote.[5]
In the general, Toney ran and won unopposed.[6]
Tenure edit
Committee assignments edit
- Veterans Affairs (Vice Chair)[7]
- Education
- Finance
- Senior, Children, and Family Issues
- Small Business and Economic Development
Coal edit
Toney voted for $12 million worth of tax cuts and exemptions in order to bail out a failing coal plant.[8]
Education edit
Toney was one of a few Republicans to oppose an omnibus education bill that would allow charter schools in West Virginia and increase school funding, among other things.[9]
Additionally, Toney supported a bill to allow students in home-school to participate in public school sports, on the condition that they take certain virtual classes.[10]
Federal term limits edit
Toney sponsored a resolution supporting a Constitutional convention to consider term limits for members of Congress. A similar resolution was adopted by both houses of the legislature in 2021. Many more states would have to ratify similar resolutions for a convention to be held.[11][12]
Gun control edit
As of 2020, Toney had an "A" rating from the NRA Political Victory Fund[13] and a 64% rating from the West Virginia Citizen's Defense League, a local gun rights organization.[2]
Toney supported a bill to allow concealed carry on college campuses. The bill was ultimately stalled in the State Senate by protest and debate.[2][14]
Labor edit
Toney has a 44% rating from the AFL–CIO as of 2020. He voted against a bill that would make it more difficult for employees to strike.[2][15]
Marijuana edit
Toney opposed efforts to legalize marijuana in West Virginia and efforts to expand access to medical marijuana.[16][17][18]
West Virginia Impact Fund edit
Toney sponsored a bipartisan bill to create a fund to invest in and attract businesses to West Virginia in order to create jobs. Additionally, Toney wrote an op-ed praising the legislation. The bill was signed by West Virginia Governor Jim Justice in March 2020.[19][20][21]
Personal life edit
Toney is a Christian.[1]
References edit
- ^ a b "West Virginia Delegate Biography: Delegate Toney". West Virginia Legislature. Retrieved September 11, 2021.
- ^ a b c d "Chris Toney's Biography". Vote Smart. Retrieved September 11, 2021.
- ^ "2018 Primary Election: House of Delegates 31st District". West Virginia Board of Elections. Retrieved September 11, 2021.
- ^ "2018 General Election: House of Delegates 31st District'". West Virginia Board of Elections. Retrieved September 11, 2021.
- ^ "2020 Primary Election: House of Delegates 31st District". West Virginia Board of Elections. Retrieved September 11, 2021.
- ^ "2020 General Election: House of Delegates 31st District". West Virginia Board of Elections. Retrieved September 11, 2021.
- ^ "Member Profiles: Delegate Toney". West Virginia Legislature. Retrieved September 11, 2021.
- ^ Beck, Erin. "With Little Scrutiny Lawmakers Bail Out Struggling Coal Plant". The Register-Herald. Retrieved September 12, 2021.
- ^ Quinn, Ryan. "Education Bill Passed, Sent to Governor". The Herald-Dispatch. Retrieved September 12, 2021.
- ^ Hatfield, Jordan. "House of Delegates Passes Form of Tim Tebow Bill, Now Up for Amendments". The Register-Herald. Retrieved September 12, 2021.
- ^ Mancini, Jess. "Delegates Seek Term Limits for West Virginia's Congressional Delegation". Parkersburg News and Sentinel. Retrieved September 11, 2021.
- ^ "WVa Legislature Passes Resolution for Term Limits on Congress". WDTV. Archived from the original on March 23, 2021. Retrieved September 11, 2021.
- ^ "NRA-PVF | Grades | West Virginia". NRA-PVF. Archived from the original on November 3, 2020.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ Conn, Anthony. "Concealed Carry Bill for Public Colleges Introduced in W.Va. Senate Judiciary Committee". WCHS. Archived from the original on February 13, 2021. Retrieved September 12, 2021.
- ^ Adams, Steven Allen. "W.Va. Senate sends message: Public worker strikes illegal". The Times Leader. Retrieved September 12, 2021.
- ^ Beck, Erin. "Republicans Reject Bates' Attempt to Speed Up Legal Marijuana Consideration". The Register-Herald. Retrieved September 12, 2021.
- ^ Beck, Erin. "House of Delegates Amends Law to Permit Medical Cannabis Patients to Use Dry Leaf". The Register-Herald. Retrieved September 12, 2021.
- ^ Beck, Erin. "Lawmakers Pass Fix to Medical Marijuana Bill". The Register-Herald. Retrieved September 12, 2021.
- ^ Toney, Chris. "Guest Column: Fund Will Attract Employers, Create Jobs". The Register-Herald. Retrieved September 12, 2021.
- ^ Adams, Steven Allen. "House of Delegates Passes Hanshaw Impact Fund Bill". Parkersburg News and Sentinel. Retrieved September 12, 2021.
- ^ "Gov. Justice Signs Bill Creating West Virginia Impact Fund". Office of the Governor of West Virginia. Retrieved September 12, 2021.