This article is part of a series created to help voters become familiar with the candidates running for the West Virginia House of Delegates. Each candidate was asked the same six questions, and we are sharing their responses exactly as they were given to us. This series aims to provide a clear and direct look into each candidate’s views on issues that matter to the people of West Virginia.

This article’s focus is on Jonathan Pinson, the Republican Party candidate for the West Virginia House of Delegates, representing District 17. Let’s dive into his responses to learn more about his priorities for the state.

1. What is your position on religious freedom, and how does your faith and role as delegate work together?

“I have served in the West Virginia House of Delegates for the last four years. I have sponsored and co-sponsored many pieces of legislation (some of which are now state law) to protect religious freedoms. In 2023 I was the lead sponsor of the West Virginia Religious Freedom Restoration Act. As a result of seeing this Bill sign in the law I was selected as the 2023 national legislator of the year by Alliance Defending Freedom.”

2. Some believe public schools should be the only option for parents. What is your stance on a parent’s right to choose the best education for their child?

“In 2021 I was a co-sponsor of the Hope scholarship bill. I will continue to fight for school choice, parental rights, and a great education for all West Virginia children!”

3. The HOPE Scholarship allows parents to align their child’s education with their values. With the program set to expand to all K-12 students in two years, what actions would you take to support its growth?

“As a co-sponsor of the original bill I will continue to work to see it expanded and helping as many children as possible.”

4. Do you have any K-12 children or grandchildren in school? If so, did they attend public or private school, or homeschool in West Virginia?

“My wife and I have five children of our own and three foster children in our home.”

5. Please describe your professional background and why it equips you to lead West Virginia effectively.

“I was adopted at the age of 15. I graduated from Ravenswood high school. Almost immediately upon graduation. I became a police officer in Jackson County. I spent seven years as a police officer before leaving police work to Pastor the church that I have Pastored now for 13 years years.”

6. What does conservatism mean to you, and how would you differentiate it from liberal values on the three most pressing challenges facing our state?

“Conservative values” means values that align with biblical morality. Protecting life and individual freedoms as well as a small non burdensome government. Often times the term “liberal values” is used to describe those who would be in favor of large taxes, big government, and policies that do not align with biblical family values.”