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 Dr. Joseph de Soto, the Republican Party candidate for the West Virginia House of Delegates, representing District 91. 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 am a religious conservative, and I view the constitution and decisions to write law via the lens of the bible. I have 2 conservative - pastors, an orthodox rabbi and a priest who I use as a sounding board when considering changes to the law. Religious freedom is of paramount importance as it was one of the primary reasons our nation was founded and the reason my ancestors in the 1600’s fled to the new world. Today, our religious freedom is under attack.”

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?

“We are a diverse nation. As a former physician – scientist – educator for the past 30 years, I know that children learn in different ways and not one size fits all. Additionally, these past 40 years public schools have gone outside their initial scope of practice and included inculcating children with their idea of ethical and moral conduct which is often averse to the belief systems of the children’s parents. Thus, it is important for students to have multiple avenues of education to best reflect their educational needs and abilities that are additional, consistent with their parental and familial belief systems.”

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?

 “I will support the expansion and continuation of the Hope Scholarship.”

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?

“I do not have children or grandchildren in the school system. I attended both public and private schools growing up and have taught at both public and private schools.”

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

“I am a physician – scientist – educator with 3 doctorates in Medicine, Pharmacology and National Security: a Masters in Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry and a Bachelors in Biophysical Chemistry. I have been a college Professor and taught a few years k-12 in addition to publishing over 300 articles in medicine and science. I am also a veteran.”

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 in my usage means to follow traditional values that are based through a biblical lens. My three main challenges are to 1) end the chemical castration of children, 2) to end the spending of state money on the New Green Energy Deal for out of state companies, 3) to limit the schools from forcing the woke agenda to our children and banning transgender males from the girls. Lastly, we need to push back on the fake news media, and groups like ACLU, Antifa, BLM and politicians who slander and defame religious politicians and people.”