Kathie Hess Crouse

Republican | West Virginia

Candidate Profile*

Conservative

*Additional information appears below for educational purposes; however, only data received prior to the candidate deadline was considered during Panel Evaluation.

BIOGRAPHY

Name

Kathie Hess Crouse


Party

Republican


Election Year

2024


Election

Primary


Race

House of Delegates, Dist. 19


Incumbent

Yes


Links

Kathie Hess Crouse websites
Facebook

EDUCATION

West Virginia State University, Institute, BS, 2000

West Virginia State University, Institute, AS, 1997

WORK & MILITARY

Candidate did not provide

AFFILIATIONS

WVHEA - West Virginia Home Educators, President & Vice President, Women in Governement

State Rep, KVSBD - Kanawha Valley Soap Box Derby, Treasurer - and Board Member

UHOWV - Unsocialized Homeschoolers of West Virginia, Creator and Administrator, WVFRW - West Virgina Federation of Republican Women

Member, NFRW - National Federation of Republican Women, Member

FRWV - Federated Republican Women of the Valley, Member, Putnam Wellness

Legislative Liason, Putnam County CVB, Board Member

PCRC - Putnam County Republican Club, Member

POLITICAL OFFICES HELD

Delegate - WV House of Delegates, 2021 to present

POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT

Candidate did not provide

Race

Previous Races

SCORECARDS

CONSERVATIVE ORGANIZATIONS


LIBERAL ORGANIZATIONS

2022

19%

2022

|

19%

ENDORSEMENTS

REPORTED BY CANDIDATE (9)

West Virginians for Life (Pro-Life)

WV Sheriff's Assocation

WV State Troopers Association

National Rifle Association - NRA

West Virginia Citizens Defense League - WVCDL

OTHER INFORMATION

QUESTIONNAIRE*

*Additional information was received after the evaluation was assigned and was not considered in the Panel Evaluations, therefore it is for additional educational purposes only.
RIGHT TO LIFE

Under what circumstances should an elective abortion be allowed?

As a staunch conservative, I firmly believe that abortion should only be allowed in cases where the life of the mother is at risk. Every unborn child is a precious human life deserving of protection under the law. All other circumstances, including cases of rape or incest, should not justify the termination of an innocent life. Voted for and spoke in favor of HBB302 Clarifying WV Abortion Laws (2022)

Chemical abortion drugs should meet essential safety standards (such as in-person consultation with a medical doctor) and require reporting to gather evidence on reactions and outcomes.

Strongly Agree

Chemical abortion drugs should mandate in-person doctor visits to ensure women's safety. Without proper medical supervision, risks of complications increase. In-person consultations uphold medical standards, safeguarding both women's health and unborn lives. They should also be given all information and medications on how to stop/reverse the process.

Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive taxpayer funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).

Strongly Agree

Taxpayer funds should not subsidize abortion providers due to moral objections and respect for life. Many taxpayers, including myself, oppose abortion on religious or ethical grounds. Funding these providers violates our conscience rights and supports a practice we find deeply immoral.

I support 'aid in dying' laws which legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia.

Strongly Disagree

Voted for and spoke on the floor in favor of HJR28 (2024) which was the Protection from medically-assisted suicide or euthanasia in West Virginia Amendment.


ECONOMY

Free enterprise and the right to private property are essential elements of a productive economic system.

Strongly Agree

I wrote and was lead sponsor of HB4940 (2024) which state a squatter cannot be considered a tenant in WV. This allows people to remove those that are illegally occupying their property without having the go through the court process

What is your position on the minimum wage?

I believe in a balanced approach to the minimum wage, focusing on job creation and skill development rather than arbitrary mandates. This fosters economic growth and empowers workers to advance based on merit.

Should environmental and social issues, like ESG (environmental, social, and governance) ratings, be used as criteria in deciding where to invest public monies?

No

Public funds should prioritize projects that directly benefit citizens and promote economic growth. Using ESG criteria risks politicizing investments and diverting resources from their intended purpose. Let's focus on tangible results for taxpayers, not ideological agendas.


RELIGIOUS LIBERTY

Under what circumstances can government close churches?

The government should never close churches unless there's an imminent threat to public safety, such as a natural disaster or a clear and present danger. Even then, it should be a last resort, respecting the constitutional right to religious freedom. Any infringement on this fundamental liberty is an egregious overreach of government power.

Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.

Strongly Disagree

Individuals and businesses should never be compelled to provide goods or services that contradict their moral or religious beliefs. Such coercion violates fundamental freedoms and undermines the principles of liberty and conscience upon which our nation was founded. Imposing such mandates tramples on the rights of individuals and erodes the fabric of our society.


HEALTHCARE

What most closely matches your view on healthcare: A) Healthcare for all should be guaranteed and funded by the government with no private healthcare option. (includes "universal healthcare," "medicare for all," etc.) B) Healthcare insurance funded by the government should be available for all who want it, along with private healthcare options. C) Medicaid and Medicare should remain available, but no other taxpayer-funded programs are necessary. D) Taxpayer funded health care should be abolished in all forms, and Medicaid and Medicare should be defunded.

Taxpayer-funded insurance should be abolished to reduce government intervention in the healthcare sector, promote individual responsibility, and restore market-driven solutions. Government-run insurance programs often lead to inefficiencies, long wait times, and reduced quality of care. By transitioning to a free-market healthcare system, individuals can choose insurance plans that best suit their needs, fostering competition, innovation, and lower costs.

Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?

NONE: Government, schools, and employers should not mandate vaccinations as it infringes upon individual freedoms and medical autonomy. Voted for of HB5105 (2024) which was later vetoed by the Governor. Sponsored dozens of Health Freedom legislation


NATIONAL SECURITY

The Chinese Communist Party poses serious military, cyber security, intellectual property, and global economic threats to the United States.

Strongly Agree

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) poses a grave threat to WV and the US due to its oppressive regime, aggressive expansionist policies, and blatant disregard for human rights and democracy. The CCP's infiltration of American institutions, theft of intellectual property, and manipulation of global trade have severely undermined our national security and economic sovereignty. It is imperative that we take decisive action to counter the CCP's influence and protect our values, freedoms, and interest

Is the United States' relationship with Israel important, and if so why?

The US-Israel relationship is vital because Israel is the only true democracy in the Middle East & shares our values of freedom, democracy, & human rights. Furthermore, Israel is a strategic ally in a volatile region, providing intelligence, military cooperation, & a stabilizing force against radical Islamic terrorism. Supporting Israel strengthens our security interests and promotes stability in the region. Any wavering in our support for Israel would embolden our enemies and jeopardizes NS


IMMIGRATION

The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.

Strongly Agree

Strengthening our borders is crucial to safeguarding American sovereignty, protecting citizens from illegal immigration, and preserving national security. Uncontrolled borders undermine the rule of law, burden taxpayers, and jeopardize public safety. By enforcing immigration laws, we uphold the integrity of our nation and prioritize the well-being of American citizens


EDUCATION

The state should fund education by allowing dollars to follow the child through programs which protect parents' freedom to choose their child's school – public, private, or homeschool.

Strongly Agree

Educational funding should follow the child to ensure families have the freedom to choose the best educational options for their children. I've consistently supported school choice legislation, recognizing that parents know what's best for their kids. As a homeschooler & advocate for homeschooling, I believe in empowering parents with the ability to tailor their child's education to their individual needs and values. Educating a child how they learn best is key to a great education.


VALUES

Children are the most vulnerable members of society and must be protected from abuse, including gender ideology, grooming, and bodily mutilation.

Strongly Agree

Protecting our children from gender ideology, grooming, abuse, and body mutilation is paramount. These harmful practices undermine traditional values and threaten the well-being of our youth. We must uphold biological truths, preserve innocence, and safeguard against indoctrination by promoting parental rights and traditional family values.

Parents should have the right to make decisions for their minor children.

Strongly Agree

Parents have an inherent right to make decisions for their minor children, ensuring their well-being and guiding their upbringing. However, this right does not extend to mutilating their bodies, as such actions can have irreversible consequences and violate the child's fundamental rights. It's essential to prioritize the child's best interests while respecting parental authority within reasonable bounds.

Taxpayer funds should be used to provide gender transition services.

Strongly Disagree

Taxpayer money should not fund gender transition services because such procedures contradict biological reality and traditional values. It's not the government's role to finance controversial and medically unnecessary interventions that undermine societal norms and moral principles. Individuals should bear the responsibility for their personal choices and associated expenses, rather than burdening taxpayers with the cost of gender transitions.

Marriage is a God-ordained, sacred and legal union of one man and one woman. No government has the authority to alter this definition.

Strongly Agree

I believe marriage is a sacred institution ordained by God between one man and one woman because it aligns with traditional family values rooted in religious teachings. This union is fundamental for the stability of society, providing a stable environment for raising children and preserving moral values.

Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.

My spiritual beliefs and values are deeply rooted in traditional Judeo-Christian principles. I adhere to conservative interpretations of scripture, upholding traditional family values, sanctity of life, and moral absolutes. My faith guides every aspect of my life and informs my stance on social, moral, and political issues.


ELECTIONS AND VOTING

People should be able to vote without photo identification.

Strongly Disagree

Voter ID ensures the integrity of our elections, safeguarding against fraud and preserving the democratic process. Requiring ID is a commonsense measure to protect the sanctity of each citizen's vote and maintain trust in our electoral system.

States should join the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact which makes the Electoral College irrelevant.

Strongly Disagree

The Electoral College ensures fair representation for all states, preventing densely populated urban areas from dictating national policy. It upholds the Founders' vision of a federal republic and protects smaller states from being marginalized by larger ones.


EQUALITY

Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?

Divisive rhetoric and identity politics sow discord. We should address issues without labeling every disagreement as racism, focusing on unity and shared American values

I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.

Strongly Disagree

I oppose Critical Race Theory (CRT) because it promotes divisive ideologies, emphasizing race over individual merit. It undermines equality by perpetuating victimhood and discrimination based on skin color. Our focus should be on unity, meritocracy, and equal opportunity for all.

Biological males should not be allowed to participate in women's sports or occupy biological women's spaces whether it be bathrooms, locker rooms, sorority houses, women's shelters, or prison.

Strongly Agree

I was lead sponsor of HB5243 (2024) the Women's Bill of Rights, this would add definition to state code as to male/female and would add protections to single sex spaces. Biological men have inherent physical advantages over women, jeopardizing fair competition in sports and compromising women's safety and privacy in single-sex spaces. Protecting biological distinctions maintains the integrity of women's sports and ensures the safety and comfort of women in private spaces.


ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT

Which comes closest to your view? (Select all that apply) A) Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy. B) Stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost. C) Stricter environmental laws undermine U.S. energy independence and deter development of reliable electricity sources. D) Climate change is real and requires urgent policy action.

C) Stricter environmental laws often burden energy producers with excessive regulations, hindering domestic energy production. This dependence on foreign sources compromises our energy independence and stifles economic growth by deterring investment and development in critical sectors like energy.

What do you believe is the most reliable energy source that will supply the growing demand for electricity?

Coal remains the most reliable energy source in West Virginia. It's abundant, affordable, and provides stable energy supply. Embracing clean coal technology ensures energy security, job retention, and economic stability for our state.


ABOUT YOU

Have you ever been penalized for sexual misconduct in either civil or criminal court? If so, please explain.

Absolutely Not.

Have you ever been convicted of a felony? If so, please explain.

Absolutely not.

What do you think is the general purpose of government?

The primary role of government is to protect individual liberties and uphold the rule of law. It should provide for national defense, ensure public safety, maintain infrastructure, and safeguard citizens' rights to life, liberty, and property. Limited government intervention fosters personal responsibility and economic prosperity.

When you consider your views on a wide range of issues from economic and social matters to foreign policy and religious liberty, which of the following best describes you overall?

Very Conservative

I consider myself extremely conservative because I staunchly uphold traditional values, prioritize individual liberties, advocate for limited government intervention, and strongly support free-market principles. My beliefs are deeply rooted in preserving constitutional rights, promoting fiscal responsibility, and defending moral and ethical standard


CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY

I support redirecting funds from police departments to community programs.

Strongly Disagree

Redirecting funds from police departments to community programs undermines public safety and law enforcement effectiveness. Police departments need proper resources to ensure the safety and security of citizens. Instead, we should focus on improving police training, accountability, and community engagement while addressing underlying social issues separately.


2ND AMENDMENT

What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?

No additional restrictions on gun ownership are necessary. The Second Amendment guarantees the right to bear arms, & any further regulations only infringe on law-abiding citizens' constitutional rights. The focus should be on enforcing existing laws & addressing mental health issues, not penalizing responsible gun owners. I have lobbied for, voted for, backed, and/or sponsored every pro 2A legislation that has went through over the last 12+ years. Continually being endorsed by NRA, WVCDL, & GOA

Should teachers be allowed to carry guns at school?

Yes

I was a co-sponsor on the Teacher Carry bill HB2549 (2023), and voted for HB4299 (2024) which passed the House, but died in the Senate. K-12 teachers should be allowed to conceal carry to protect themselves and their students in the event of a threat. It's about ensuring the safety of our children and empowering responsible educators to defend against potential dangers, especially in areas where law enforcement response may be delayed.

If you are not already receiving our emails, stay up to date with important election alerts, educational articles, and encouraging reminders.

I agree to receive text messages at the phone number provided.