Christopher Wayne Toney (born February 13, 1988) is an American politician who has served as a Delegate from the 31st District to the West Virginia House of Delegates since 2018. He is a Republican.
Early life, education, and career
Toney was born to Gregory Toney and Emma Shrewsbury. He received a B.A. in History and Special Education from Concord University. He operated a school bus before assuming office.[1][2]
Elections
2018
In his first primary, Toney defeated incumbent Chanda Adkins with 51.16% of the vote.[3]
In the general election, Toney defeated Democrat Richard Snuffer with 55.76% of the vote to win his seat in the House of Delegates.[4]
2020
In Toney's second primary election, he defeated fellow Republican Kase Poling with 56.60% of the vote.[5]
Toney voted for $12 million worth of tax cuts and exemptions in order to bail out a failing coal plant.[8]
Education
Toney was one of a few Republicans to oppose an omnibus education bill that would allow charter schools in West Virginia and increase school funding, among other things.[9]
Additionally, Toney supported a bill to allow students in home-school to participate in public school sports, on the condition that they take certain virtual classes.[10]
Federal term limits
Toney sponsored a resolution supporting a Constitutional convention to consider term limits for members of Congress. A similar resolution was adopted by both houses of the legislature in 2021. Many more states would have to ratify similar resolutions for a convention to be held.[11][12]
Gun control
As of 2020, Toney had an "A" rating from the NRA Political Victory Fund[13] and a 64% rating from the West Virginia Citizen's Defense League, a local gun rights organization.[2]
Toney supported a bill to allow concealed carry on college campuses. The bill was ultimately stalled in the State Senate by protest and debate.[2][14]
Labor
Toney has a 44% rating from the AFL–CIO as of 2020. He voted against a bill that would make it more difficult for employees to strike.[2][15]
Marijuana
Toney opposed efforts to legalize marijuana in West Virginia and efforts to expand access to medical marijuana.[16][17][18]
West Virginia Impact Fund
Toney sponsored a bipartisan bill to create a fund to invest in and attract businesses to West Virginia in order to create jobs. Additionally, Toney wrote an op-ed praising the legislation. The bill was signed by West Virginia Governor Jim Justice in March 2020.[19][20][21]