Tom Willis (West Virginia)
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Tom Willis (Republican Party) is a member of the West Virginia State Senate, representing District 15. He assumed office on December 1, 2024. His current term ends on December 1, 2028.
Willis (Republican Party) ran for election to the West Virginia State Senate to represent District 15. He won in the general election on November 5, 2024.
Willis completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Tom Willis served in the U.S. Army National Guard starting in 2000. Willis earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Virginia and a J.D. from Georgetown University. His career experience includes working as an attorney and business owner. Willis' professional experience also includes co-owning the Glen Ferris Inn. He has clerked for a federal judge at the U.S. Tax Court and has worked as a tax lawyer at Baker & McKenzie. Willis has been affiliated with the Special Forces Association, Eagle Scout Association, NRA, West Virginians for Life, National Guard Association, WV Guard Association, WV Bar Association, Chamber of Commerce, and Independent Bible Church.[1][2]
Elections
2024
See also: West Virginia State Senate elections, 2024
General election
General election for West Virginia State Senate District 15
Tom Willis defeated Anthony Murray in the general election for West Virginia State Senate District 15 on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Tom Willis (R)  | 73.7 | 27,264 |
 | Anthony Murray (D) | 26.3 | 9,750 | |
| Total votes: 37,014 | |||
| = 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 State Senate District 15
Anthony Murray advanced from the Democratic primary for West Virginia State Senate District 15 on May 14, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Anthony Murray | 100.0 | 2,846 |
| Total votes: 2,846 | |||
| = 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 State Senate District 15
Tom Willis defeated incumbent Craig Blair and Michael Folk in the Republican primary for West Virginia State Senate District 15 on May 14, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Tom Willis | 44.4 | 5,475 |
 | Craig Blair | 32.2 | 3,973 | |
 | Michael Folk | 23.4 | 2,885 | |
| Total votes: 12,333 | |||
| = 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. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Endorsements
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Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Willis in this election.
2018
General election
General election for U.S. Senate West Virginia
Incumbent Joe Manchin III defeated Patrick Morrisey and Rusty Hollen in the general election for U.S. Senate West Virginia on November 6, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Joe Manchin III (D) | 49.6 | 290,510 |
 | Patrick Morrisey (R) | 46.3 | 271,113 | |
 | Rusty Hollen (L) | 4.2 | 24,411 | |
| Total votes: 586,034 (100.00% precincts reporting) | |||
| = 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. | ||||
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for U.S. Senate West Virginia
Incumbent Joe Manchin III defeated Paula Jean Swearengin in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate West Virginia on May 8, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Joe Manchin III | 69.9 | 112,658 |
 | Paula Jean Swearengin | 30.1 | 48,594 | |
| Total votes: 161,252 | |||
| = 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. | ||||
Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Chase Henderson (D)
Republican primary election
Republican primary for U.S. Senate West Virginia
The following candidates ran in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate West Virginia on May 8, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Patrick Morrisey | 34.9 | 48,007 |
 | Evan Jenkins | 29.2 | 40,185 | |
 | Don Blankenship | 20.0 | 27,478 | |
| Tom Willis | 9.8 | 13,540 | |
 | Bo Copley | 3.1 | 4,248 | |
| Jack Newbrough | 3.0 | 4,115 | |
| Total votes: 137,573 | |||
| = 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. | ||||
Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Scott Ernst (R)
Campaign themes
2024
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Tom Willis completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Willis' responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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Lieutenant Colonel Green Beret Veteran, WV Business Owner & Partner in Law Firm, Family Man Married with Three Children, Leader in Our Church's Men's Large Group.
- EDUCATION: Leadership Matters. With Good Leadership, WV Can Become an Example of Success in the Nation in Education. As a Leader, I will Fight Diligently to Move WV Towards the Top Ten and Finally Shed our Last or Near-Last Ranking in Education that WV Has Held for the Past Sixty Years. WV Can Accomplish This by Empowering the Persons with the Best Ability to Make Wise Education Decisions for the Student - their Parents. Parents have a Sacred Authority Over Their Children. By Changing the Narrative to Reflect this Reality and Empower Parents, by Reducing the Administrative Burden on Teachers, and by Fostering a Culture of Excellence, WV Can and Will Lead in Education.
- BUSINESS CLIMATE: With Good Leadership, Which I Will Bring, WV Can Become an Elite State with Regards to Creating a Leading Business Climate for Internal, Persistent Job Creation. We Accomplish this Through 1) Lower Taxation of Businesses, 2) Cut Regulatory Red Tape and Any Governmental Interaction with Businesses to be the Least Intrusive Possible, and 3) Ensure Secure, Transparent, Protected Private Property Rights in WV. The Economic Prosperity and Jobs These Proven Steps Create will Give Our Kids a Reason to Stay in WV.
- LEADERS WITH CHARACTER: WV Deserves Leaders with Proven Character Who Lead with Integrity, Who are Present in the Local Community, and Who Represent the Interests of Citizens not Lobbyists and Special Interests. I Will Represent WV and Lead to Best of My Ability as a Person of Honor and Integrity.
1) Prosperous Business Climate to Create Jobs; 2) Strong Education System to Create Knowledgeable, Adaptable, & Problem Solving Graduates, 3) Excellent Infrastructure to Support WV Residents, 4) Reduce the Size and Power of Government to Preserve WV Values and Our Personal Freedoms.
My Father. His Hard Work Over Many Years to Bless His Family.
US Constitution. Wealth of Nations (book). Unplanned (movie). History of the Roman Empire. The Bible
Integrity. Character. Skill and Ability. Correct Worldview That is Consistent with Wisdom and Reality as Reality is and not How Some Would Like it to be (for example, socialism sounds good on paper, but produces horrible pain in real life).
Proven Character and Leadership
To Steward the Position to Best Serve the People of WV by Making Decisions for the Common Good (and not Special Interests) and Wisely Stewarding State Resources and Monies.
A Man Who Served Christ Wherever Called, a Faithful and Loving Family Man, a Man Who Helped Others Selflessly.
High Inflation of the Late 1970's Under President Carter.
Maintenance Worker at a Fitness Center.
Bible. It Holds the Keys to Life.
Country Roads - WV
Losing Both my First Wife and my Oldest Son to Cancer and Keeping the Rest of Our Family Going During and After They Passed.
To Reverse the Tide of Young Residents Leaving the State by Creating Opportunity and Prosperity in WV
Military Experience and Business Experience are Key Factors in a Legislator's Background
Yes, Our System Requires Teamwork to Accomplish Goals for the Common Good.
Ronald Reagan
Stories of How the Education System Has Failed Our WV Students and Infringes on Parent's Rights, Especially with Regards to Medical Decisions.
Any Dad Joke That is so Terrible It's Good.
Business Friendliness Bill to Create the Conditions for WV Homegrown Businesses to Succeed with Lower Taxation, Less Red Tape and Regulatory Interference, and Protected Property Rights for All West Virginians.
WV 2nd Amendment Coalition. Vets4VetLeadership PAC. Vets4Coal PAC. Oil and Gas Workers Association.
The Government Serves the People and Therefore Should be Completely Transparent with Government Funds.
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.
2018
Ballotpedia survey responses
- See also: Ballotpedia's candidate surveys
Tom Willis participated in Ballotpedia's candidate survey on February 26, 2018. The survey questions appear in bold, and Tom Willis's responses follow below.[3]
What would be your top three priorities, if elected?
| “ | 1) Good Jobs and Strong Economy |
” |
What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? Why?
| “ | GOOD JOBS: Creating an environment where Government policies do not hinder our economy is my #1 priority. ▪A strong economy is vital to good jobs for quality of life for us all ▪A strong economy is vital to national security. Champion our 1st and 2d Amendment rights – Freedom of Religion and Right to Bear Arms. Small, smart government with simple systems that support job creation and new businesses and not fight against it, WV Family values, including protecting our littlest Americans Strong Defense – our military deserves our support 100%. Strong Justice System – we must support our law enforcement officers.Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; invalid names, e.g. too many[5]
|
” |
Ballotpedia also asked the candidate a series of optional questions. Tom Willis answered the following:
What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?
| “ | I’ve served WV and our Nation for 18 years in the military arena, now I feel called to continue to serve in the political arena. I’m not satisfied with where WV stands in the rankings, and I’m not satisfied with the career politicians in Washington. I know my fellow West Virginians aren’t either. WV and our Nation can move to a brighter future for us and our children, but it will take principled leadership. As a Special Forces Green Beret and WV Business Owner, I know I can lead, and I’m ready and able to answer the call of duty to lead WV and our Nation in the US Senate to a better future. It’s time West Virginia elected a non-politician who can beat Joe Manchin and help President Trump drain the swamp in Washington.[5] | ” |
On March 2, 2018, Willis submitted a second response to Ballotpedia's survey that included the following answer to the question What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? Why?
| “ | Veterans - As an 18-year member of the West Virginia National Guard, I know first hand how our veterans and their families have made unimaginable sacrifices for our State and Country. We must live up to our promises made to them. I will ensure the quality of health care provided to our veterans is equal to the courage and valor they delivered to our Nation. Services available to our veterans as they transition from military to civilian life must be robust and available nationwide. Promises made to our veterans must be promises kept.
Pro-Life – Life is sacred. I am 100% pro-life and believe we should do everything we can to protect the unborn. Pro-2nd Amendment - The Second Amendment is an inviolate fundamental right of every American that I will defend. We must protect our right to bear arms by enforcing laws currently on the books and promoting safe and responsible gun ownership. Opioid Crisis - This is an economic and national security problem and we should be approaching it accordingly. West Virginia has one of the worst opioid drug addiction problems in the Country but hasn’t seen federal funding to match the problem. We need to be open to giving people second chances, including alternative sentencing, and be open to working in cooperation with faith based recovery programs that statistically reduce recidivism rates. We must address the hopelessness at the root of the problem and deal with it with compassion. Defend the Constitution - I am a Constitutionalist. Our Founding Fathers were prescient in understanding there is an appropriate role for government, but one that preserves our individual freedoms and has limits. We have seen an overreach in DC by policies, mandates and regulations that erode our freedoms. As a nation that lives by the rule of law, our Judicial system is the ultimate arbiter, and I will vote for judges that will apply a strict interpretation of the Constitution. Preserving the separation of powers of the Federal Government and curbing Federal encroachment into rights reserved for the States, will be my cornerstones from the first day I enter office. Border Security – My wife is an immigrant (from Macedonia), and so I understand how LEGAL IMMIGRATION works. It is not easy, nor should it be. America is a very special place, and we need to protect it for future generations and those coming here LEGALLY. I support a system of physical infrastructure, technology and personnel enhancements to secure the Southern and Northern borders. This includes more immigration judges to quickly process and return those trying to enter our Nation illegally. We must close illegal entry points and stop the flow of drug traffickers, criminals and terrorists into our country. Balanced Budget – We in WV have to balance our family checkbooks. We have a right to expect that our US Congress should balance our National checkbook. I support a balanced budget amendment in Washington. Our government must spend within its means, just like my family and other regular West Virginian families. Education - No one knows better how to teach our kids than parents and local school districts. We shouldn’t be teaching to national tests or allow Federal mandates regarding school curriculum content, which violates the 10th Amendment. Infrastructure - We have an aging physical infrastructure. Bridges, roads, waterways, and dams have been neglected and fallen into disrepair due to undisciplined spending in Washington. I will look for ways to cut waste and redirect strategic resources into repair and construction of new highways and bridges. Further, I will focus on high technology improvement projects, particularly in the area of broad-band communication, especially to rural areas. It is time stop wastefulness and give America an infrastructure to keep us ahead of the competition on the world stage. Trade - I support free, but fair trade. A starting point would be the conscious adoption of a policy of long-term trade balance for the United States. Immigration – We are a nation of immigrants, including my wife Sara who is from Macedonia. We welcome those immigrants who come here legally, and we want to make sure they have the same opportunity for the American dream that made this Country great. On the other hand, we must disincentivize and end illegal immigration.[5] |
” |
| —Tom Willis (2018)[6] | ||
Political philosophy
Willis stated the following about his political philosophy in a biographical submission to Ballotpedia:[7]
| “ | Tom Willis is a conservative Republican who is a first time candidate running for United States Senate to help President Trump drain the swamp in Washington.[5] | ” |
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 West Virginia scorecards, email suggestions to [email protected].
See also
2024 Elections
External links
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Candidate West Virginia State Senate District 15 |
Personal |
Footnotes
- ↑ Tom Willis for West Virginia, "Home," accessed February 6, 2018
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on February 13, 2024
- ↑ Note: The candidate's answers have been reproduced here verbatim without edits or corrections by Ballotpedia.
- ↑ Ballotpedia's candidate survey, "Tom Willis's responses," February 26, 2018
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ Ballotpedia's candidate survey, "Tom Willis' responses," March 2, 2018
- ↑ Information submitted on Ballotpedia's biographical information submission form on February 17, 2018
