Name Steve Harris
Office Sought House of Delegates
Party Affiliation Republican
District 100th
City/Town Harpers Ferry
Campaign Website steveharris4delegate.com
The US Supreme Court will decide Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization this summer, which some have speculated may overturn Roe v. Wade. If there were no Constitutional protections for abortion, what do you think West Virginia's abortion policies should be?
No abortions. I believe that life starts at conception and that all life is important and that each fetus has the right to a chance at life.
Several West Virginia municipalities have passed ordinances that expand the definition of racial discrimination to include discriminating against traditional or natural hair textures and styles. Would you support expanding this protection statewide? Why or why not?
I believe a person's choice of how they want to wear their hair is their right, and I support their right to whatever hair style they choose, as long as it is not a safety hazard in their work place.
Many states have created laws that seek to limit the teaching of "divisive concepts" or "critical race theory". West Virginia narrowly missed passing a similar law during the 2022 Legislative Session. What is the value or harm in teaching these topics and what role should the legislature play in determining this curriculum?
I support laws that limit what can be taught to our children. I do not in any way support Critical Race Theory and never will vote for any bill that did. In my family, we have African American family members that also do not support his. The liberal government keeps finding multiple ways to tell the African American community that they can not make it without the government's help. The African American Community that I know are strong, proud, intelligent, and hard working people that are sick and tired of having their youth made feel they need help.
Currently there is no statewide law protecting people in matters of employment, housing, and public accommodations based on their sexuality or gender identity. Proponents claim these protections are necessary for ongoing discrimination by the LGBTQ community. Opponents claim that such protections infringe upon religious beliefs. What do you believe and would you support or oppose a statewide law?
I do not support any laws that infringe upon anyone's religious beliefs. I would oppose such a Bill.
Recently a revival was held at schools in Cabell and Wayne counties. The Legislature has, in recent years, passed laws to allow teaching the Bible in public schools and allowing for religious drug-prevention programs to operate in schools. What do you think the role of religion in public schools should be and why?
I support having God back in the schools. When I went to school, we said the Pledge of Allegiance and the Lord's Prayer every morning before school started and that was in Public School here in West Virginia. I think that this country has spun out of control in the last few years and God needs to be placed back into our country.
The West Virginia Senate recently unanimously adopted a resolution stating that West Virginia is prepared to welcome Ukrainian refugees. Critics have pointed out that the Legislature has recently considered legislation what would make things more difficult for refugees and immigrants to settle in West Virginia. Should West Virginia welcome refugees and immigrants? If no, why not? If yes, what can the state do to support these communities?
I believe that we should take in an appropriate number of refugees that the state is capable of helping. They are refugees through no fault of their own. However, I am not happy with the approach that has been taken with Putin instead of stopping him.
There is increasing tension with communities of people who are unhoused or face housing insecurity. Police breakups of encampments are common, and municipalities have shown growing opposition to low-barrier housing and recovery housing. How would you address community concerns while protecting the rights of unhoused people?
West Virginia cities as well as cities within every state have plenty of abandoned building, house, and warehouses that could easily be converted into locations for child care, small businesses, and housing for these individuals. We do need to help these people get back on their feet and become an active part of society again.
Police violence has been in the forefront of national headlines for several years. Some propose more civilian oversight of law enforcement through civilian review boards that could review incidents and policies. Others view these boards as "anti-police" and point out that civilians are ill-equipped to understand the nature of police work. Do you support the use of civilian review boards? What other steps, if any, should the state take to provide transparency and accountability for police?
I do not support Civilian Review Boards. I believe that any board that sets in judgement of a profession must know what it takes to do that profession and it must be made up of those equipped to handle the task of being a Law Enforcement Officer.
Jails in West Virginia are above capacity and are bankrupting some counties. Prisons are understaffed, making them dangerous for residents and staff alike. What steps, if any, should West Virginia take to address these issues?
Fund the Jail/Prison system to adequately staff. If needed, build or convert other locations into Jails/Prisons.
Currently, people who are incarcerated or on probation and parole for a felony conviction are unable to vote. The West Virginia Senate Judiciary Committee passed a bill that would have expanded that right to people who are on probation and parole. When, if ever do you think people should lose their right to vote? When, if ever should that right be restored?
They should loose that right if convicted of a Felony. The time of loss of voting rights should depend upon the crime committed with the victim or victim's family having a say so in the matter.