Rick Hillenbrand
2022 - Present
2024
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Rick Hillenbrand (Republican Party) is a member of the West Virginia House of Delegates, representing District 88. He assumed office on December 1, 2022. His term ended on December 1, 2024.
Hillenbrand (Republican Party) ran for re-election to the West Virginia House of Delegates to represent District 88. He won in the general election on November 5, 2024.
Hillenbrand completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Rick Hillenbrand was born in Staten Island, New York. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1978 to 1999. He earned a bachelor's degree from the Maritime College of the State University of New York in 1978. He earned a graduate degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1984. His career experience includes working as an unbleached supervisor and pulp engineer at Newpage Papers. He is affiliated with Boy Scouts of America and American Society of Naval Engineers.[1]
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
2023-2024
Hillenbrand was assigned to the following committees:
- House Government Organization Committee
- House Judiciary Committee
- Technology & Infrastructure Committee
- Veterans Affairs and Homeland Security Committee
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Elections
2024
See also: West Virginia House of Delegates elections, 2024
General election
General election for West Virginia House of Delegates District 88
Incumbent Rick Hillenbrand defeated Amanda Vincent in the general election for West Virginia House of Delegates District 88 on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Rick Hillenbrand (R)  | 78.5 | 6,149 |
 | Amanda Vincent (D) | 21.5 | 1,681 | |
| Total votes: 7,830 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for West Virginia House of Delegates District 88
Amanda Vincent advanced from the Democratic primary for West Virginia House of Delegates District 88 on May 14, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Amanda Vincent | 100.0 | 562 |
| Total votes: 562 | |||
| = 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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Republican primary election
Republican primary for West Virginia House of Delegates District 88
Incumbent Rick Hillenbrand advanced from the Republican primary for West Virginia House of Delegates District 88 on May 14, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Rick Hillenbrand | 100.0 | 2,333 |
| Total votes: 2,333 | |||
| = 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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Endorsements
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Hillenbrand received the following endorsements.
2022
See also: West Virginia House of Delegates elections, 2022
General election
General election for West Virginia House of Delegates District 88
Rick Hillenbrand won election in the general election for West Virginia House of Delegates District 88 on November 8, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Rick Hillenbrand (R) | 100.0 | 4,534 |
| Total votes: 4,534 | |||
| = 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 88
Rick Hillenbrand defeated Keith L. Funkhouser, Stephen Smoot, and Austin Iman in the Republican primary for West Virginia House of Delegates District 88 on May 10, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Rick Hillenbrand | 40.0 | 803 |
 | Keith L. Funkhouser | 39.9 | 799 | |
| Stephen Smoot | 12.6 | 252 | |
| Austin Iman | 7.5 | 151 | |
| Total votes: 2,005 | |||
| = 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
2024
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Rick Hillenbrand completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Hillenbrand's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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Frederick Hillenbrand, better known as Rick by his friends and family, has resided in Hampshire County since 2011. He graduated with a Bachelors of Engineering from SUNY Maritime College (with honors) and earned both a Master of Science and Ocean Engineer degrees (a post-Master’s degree) from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Upon graduation from Maritime College, he received a merchant marine license as 3rd Ass’t Engineer for steam & motor vessels of unlimited horsepower, and was commissioned as a naval officer. Qualified in Submarines as an Unrestricted Line Officer, he spent most of his over 20 years on active duty as an Engineering Duty Officer working in multiple naval shipyards and in program management, retiring as a Commander from the Pentagon as the Navy’s Program Manager for the (then) nearly 200 ship inactive fleet. Post Navy he worked as: a Sr. Engineer for M. Rosenblatt & Son, a Sr. Associate for Booz, Allen & Hamilton, Inc., American Woodmark in Moorefield, WV and the (then) NewPage pulp and paper mill in Luke, MD. He retired from NewPage in 2013 to care for his first wife who did not survive her battle with cancer. Notable volunteering has included: • Boy Scouts of America National Commissioner Service Team Technology Chair • Bluffs on the Potomac Property Owners Association Board of Directors • Trustee, Senior Warden, Treasurer and licensed Worship Leader for St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Romney • Romney Cub Scout Pack 32 Committee Chair
- “Truth, Justice and the American Way”… West Virginia style. You don’t have to look very hard to see what happens when we become politically complacent, just turn on the news. With the Russian invasion of Ukraine, we are experiencing the consequences of failed leadership, and now we are learning first-hand just how connected the world is today. When I joined the Navy, I swore an oath to defend the Constitution which I still due today, including especially the 2nd Amendment. Further, I believe in the sanctity of life, all life, and in 2023 I helped pass House Bill 3302 with a 94-0 vote (with 6 absent) to recognize an unborn child as distinct victim in a DUI causing death including an embryo or fetus as defined in §61-2-30 of WV code.
- I came out of retirement to run for election in 2022 because we need “common” people with the integrity of a Boy Scout, a good head on their shoulders, and have actually been a servant-leader, who will put the needs of those they represent ahead of their own desires. I AM a “full time” Legislator. While officially WV is a “part time” legislature, the reality is that in addition to the 60-day annual Legislative Session, the legislature also meets 8 months of the year for at least 3 days. Further, as a true servant of the people you need to be generally available every day of the year, which I try to do by attending and participating in relevant county and community meetings and just generally being available to constituents.
- Several events in 2021 caused me to believe that God was calling me to serve my community in the House of Delegates. The straw that “broke the camel’s back” for me was when the Loudon County School Board (VA) lied to America about the rape of a girl in school by – as reported by the NY Times – a “boy wearing a skirt” - and as was televised on national television, then going so far as to have the girl’s father arrested and dragged out of a School Board meeting. This is the same school system where two of my granddaughters attend school. This led me to realize that either I could sit on the sidelines, and watch that type of government come to West Virginia, or I could get involved to protect our West Virginian way of life.
To be an effective Legislator you need to be more than a “one or two issue” Legislator. I like to tell people that without exaggeration you need to be conversant in public policy topics ranging from nuclear power (which I do have a background in) to medicine to cremations.
This question is best answered by going to the ISSUES page of my website, https://www.Rick4WV88.com for details. But the issues that I am passionate about include: Veterans Affairs (I started the Veterans caucus), VFDS & EMS, Broadband, COLAs for WV state retirees, Jobs, Education, Youth, Illegal Drugs/Drug Abuse, Term Limits, Energy (coal and the Mt. Storm power station).
My father. He was a virtuous man of principle and integrity who "gave back" to his community.
I've always like the classic Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, where the hero Mr. Smith (Head of the "Boy Rangers") is appointed to fill the seat of a recently deceased Senator. Much of the movie centers around Mr. Smith's fights against government corruption.
A book that I have recently read that I found very thought provoking is "The Doctrine of the Lesser Magistrates" by Matthew J. Trewhella where "lesser magistrates" are encouraged to do what is right by the people
Integrity, honesty, hard working, selfless servant of the people you represent that works to be their voice in government.
Hard working, honest, frank, diligent, intelligent, people focused. (Additionally I still try to live by the 10 Commandments, and the Scout Oath and Law... Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean and Reverent.
Being accountable to the people who elected you. You need to care for ALL your constituents, even those who may not have voted for you, and be their advocate. For example I have "gone to bat" numerous times for Piedmont as they work to put in place a long term potable water supply.
I've never thought of what legacy I wish to leave. Instead, I would hope that when I am gone, from time to time people will remember me as being "good" person who made the world a better place.
The assassination of President John Kennedy. I was 7.
My first paying job was in 6th grade when I worked for the fair selling tickets for the rides. It lasted one week.
The Lord of the Rings trilogy. A bit of fantasy mixed with a good versus bad struggle where good prevails.
Seriously? "I met my baby in the porta john line" by Nothin' Fancy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfTsnLGDdQo
My weight.... and spending time relaxing. My wife tells me that I always got to be "doing something."
To my way of thinking the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature combines collaboration, communication, respect, and a commitment to the public good. Ideally there should be shared goals, checks and balances with negotiation and compromise and when disagreements arise, both sides should HONESTLY seek common ground to find solutions that benefit the state. Although political differences may exist, the focus should be on serving the state rather than partisan interests because ultimately the governor and legislators should be held to the highest ethical standards and held accountable to their constituents.
1) Solving the drug crisis, 2) Delivering true broadband internet to most citizens, and 3) the looming illegal immigration crisis impact that is headed toward WV.
Beneficial - yes, as in "helpful." Required - Absolutely NOT. For example, my 2+ decades working for the federal government (in and out of uniform) doing program management and understanding how the executive branch works has helped, but was not required.
ABSOLUTELY! Because there are so many "wickets" that must be navigated to turn a bill into law, IMHO it is extremely important to be on the "right" committees, to add influential people from "the right" committees as co-sponsors to your bills, and advocate (plead) to get your bills on the required committee agendas in order to advance the bill eventually to the floor for a vote of the full chamber, and then repeat with the other chamber (for me that would be the Senate). I am proud of the fact that in a short time I have been in the House of Delegates, that I have made strong friendships with many Senators, so much so that I working together I was able to get four bills completely through the legislative process this year as the Lead Sponsor. (I've been told that as a Freshman Delegate that getting four bills through is quite a feat.)
Not really. I do take "lessons" from everyone, even Legislators from the other side of the isle. But ultimately, I like to think that in the end I am unique.
NO! As I have stated countless times, I enjoy serving the people as a Delegate, which is the closest a statehouse legislator can get to their constituents. I have no intention of running for any other political office when God decides my time is done.
None specifically, although there are many that pull at your heart strings.
Imagine if you would, an engineer, a physicist and mathematician all check into "identical" motel rooms one night. In the middle of the night "identical" fires break out in each room. The engineer wakes up, smells the smoke, sees the fire, runs to the bathroom, fills a trash can full of water, dumps it on the fire, putting it out and goes back to bed. The physicist wakes up, smells the smoke, sees the fire, pulls a pocket pyrometer out of his pajama top and takes three critical temperatures of the fire, runs to the bathroom, fills a thimble full of water, dumps it on the fire, putting it out and goes back to bed. The mathematician wakes up, smells the smoke, sees the fire, runs to the bathroom, looks at the sink, runs back to the fire, stares, runs back to the bathroom, strokes his chin, and says "Ah ha. A solution exists", and goes back to bed.
Yes. As the saying goes: Absolute power corrupts absolutely. The legislature needs to be the "safety valve" to avoid Executive Branch abuse of emergency powers.
As an incumbent Delegate, I have already successfully sponsored (both Lead and Co) many bills. During the 2024 Regular Session of the Legislature one bill that came "oh so close" to passing both chambers was my House Bill 4807.
https://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Text_HTML/2024_SESSIONS/RS/bills/hb4807%20sub%20eng.pdf I have already sent this bill to Bill Drafting for resubmission and introduction in 2025 assuming I am re-elected. This bill would establish limitations on billing practices of Internet or telecommunications providers that fail to provide subscribed customers service for five or more days to automatically credit the customer’s account for the lack of service proportional to the number of days of disrupted services.
2024 endorsements & support (as of 3/26): WV Sheriffs' Association, West Virginia Association for Justice (LAWPAC), WV Appalachian Laborers' District Council PAC, Trump Administration Acting Under Secretary of Energy (and prior Ass’t Secretary of Energy for Fossil Energy) Steven Winberg
2022 endorsements & support:
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
International Union of Operating Engineers
Laborers’ International Union
National Rifle Association
Plumbers & Pipefitters Local Union No. 152
Hon. Steve Winberg
United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America
LAWPAC
West Virginia Building and Construction Trades PAC
West Virginia Coal Association
West Virginia Farm PAC
West Virginians for Life PAC
I'm already on Judiciary, Government Organization, Technology & Infrastructure, and Veteran Affairs & Homeland Security, which keeps my agenda during session very full. However, I'm also "interested" in Energy and Finance based my professional experiences. Further, because they are such an important part of our rural West Virginian way of life, I also work closely with the Chairman of the Fire Departments and Emergency Medical Services committee. This is not to say that many (most?) of the other committee don't interest me, it is just that there is a limited amount of time in any given day.
Until we have full financial transparency and are 100% accountable, we need more financial transparency and government accountability.
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.
2022
Rick Hillenbrand completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2022. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Hillenbrand's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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I went to college on an ROTC scholarship and earned a Bachelor of Engineering degree from NY Maritime College. While in the Navy I earned an engineering Masters of Science degree and an Engineers degree. I retired out of the Pentagon as a Commander in 1999 as the Program Manager for the Navy’s Inactive Fleet. After the Navy I continued to work in marine engineering in the metro DC area. Over a decade ago I built a house, took a job with American Woodmark and moved to WV full-time. I fully retired in 2013 from the Luke paper mill to care for my first wife who unfortunately did not survive her cancer. Until now my spare time has been devoted significantly to volunteering. I’m on the board and an officer for several non-profits, a church trustee and treasurer. I am an active Scout leader from the local unit level through the national level. I have two married sons, both Eagle Scouts like myself. Karl is a cardiothoracic anesthesiologist at the University of Kentucky Medical Center a career field that combines both an academic and practical hands-on education. Chris is a Quality Control Manager for Clark Construction in San Diego. Together, my current wife Barbie and I have 7 grandchildren, ages 1-9 with the oldest boy a Cub Scout.
- I think elected officials need to have a servant heart, a willingness to serve others. After nearly 50 years of being a Scout leader, and a full career as a naval officer, I know how what it means to put others first.
- Presently only 13% of WV legislators are veterans and can apply that unique experience to the job. I think that if this current administration had more experience being at the pointy end of the spear, current events in world politics might be much better. Make no mistake, the world is very connected today. Local decisions affect world events, and world events have local impact.
- Being fully retired, I am not seeking this position for the pay. We need full time representation in the state house, not someone who will be doing this as a "part time" job.
As a retired Naval Officer, I am passionate about protecting our way of life. If elected I would like to address the following six issues, the first five which are intrinsically linked to each other:
1. Broadband Internet, and
2. Youth development
3. Education, including formal trade skills
4. Good paying jobs
5. Illegal drug abuse
6. Veteran affairs
I believe elected officials need to have a set of "Core Values" which they follow. I try to live primarily by two sets of "Core Values:"
1) The 10 Commandments
2) The Scout Oath and Law*
- Scout Oath - On my honor, I will do my best. To do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; To help other people at all times; To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.
Scout Law - A Scout is: Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent
Whenever I find myself in a difficult situation and in need of guidance on how to proceed I look to the 10 Commandments and the Scout Oath and Law to help me.
Honesty
Integrity
Hard working
Intelligent
Team builder
Good with numbers (financials)
Believe in the rule of law - I support our men and women of law enforcement and the military
Do NOT believe that the judicial should try to "legislate from the bench." If the law says "paint it blue" the judge / magistrate should not try to rewrite the law "because they meant to write 'paint it yellow'." Instead, they should follow the law as written and seek to change laws that need to be corrected.
My first "job for pay" was when I was in the 6th grade I worked selling midway ride tickets at the local week-long fair.
My first job that lasted more than a week was doing yard work for an older couple who had a very large yard and no children. I did this for three years until I was 16. However, since this was seasonal work, I then took a year round part-time job working at a nursery and greenhouse while finishing high school.
Ozzy Osbourne's Crazy Train - I needed something fast paced that would help me push through a task.
Each branch of government has its own role. The role of the legislature is to write and pass laws for the benefit of the constituents. The role of the executive branch is to implement and enforce the laws made by the legislature. The governor and legislature need to be able to work together to understand and meet the needs of their state. Ideally the relationship between the governor and legislature is one of checks and balances, that can perform efficiently with everyone feeling like they have gained.
Rural broadband delivery
Improving our secondary education system, including vocational education
Creating good paying jobs
Reducing illegal drug use
I don't think West Virginia will change to a unicameral legislature any time soon, thus this question is not pertinent.
At some point every individual is a novice and as such is not influenced and perhaps limited by prior experiences. Likewise, every elected official once elected becomes experienced, and will have knowledge only gained by experience.
I think having some experience in how large bureaucratic organizations work, whether in government (including politics) or private industry is helpful. Politics exists in almost every life situation, whether "family politics," "office politics, or other. Knowing how to gracefully navigate the politics of any situation is the key to making progress.
Absolutely. Relationships and team building are key to building support and consensus in order to achieve objectives.
I don't have an opinion on this, especially since WV just completed a redistricting effort that will likely not be revisited for another decade.
Technology and Infrastructure
Education
Finance
Veteran's Affairs and Homeland Security
Judiciary
No. I have no further political aspirations. In fact I strongly support term limits and do not think people should be able to make a career out of being an elected official.
Ideally yes, but there may be some situations and areas where limited immediate emergency powers would be appropriate. An example would be a major event such as a catastrophic natural disaster.
I do believe that often in order to make progress you need to be willing to compromise and reach consensus, but do so without compromising your core values and positions.
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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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 West Virginia scorecards, email suggestions to [email protected].
2023
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2023, click [show]. |
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In 2023, the West Virginia State Legislature was in session from January 11 to March 11.
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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 West Virginia State Legislature was in session from January 12 to March 12.
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See also
2024 Elections
External links
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Candidate West Virginia House of Delegates District 88 |
Officeholder West Virginia House of Delegates District 88 |
Personal |
Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on February 25, 2022
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| Preceded by - |
West Virginia House of Delegates District 88 2022-Present |
Succeeded by - |
