CHARLESTON — In a lengthy end-of-session statement, Del. Chris Anders, R-97, delivered a sweeping critique of the West Virginia Legislature’s leadership and legislative process while reaffirming his commitment to constitutional principles, limited government, and personal liberty.
The first-term delegate, who represents parts of the Eastern Panhandle, described the 2025 regular session as both a “battlefield” and “a test of conviction,” outlining key legislation he supported, initiatives he led, and opposition he faced from within his own party.
“This letter is a short autobiography of my first legislative session — a snapshot of the fights we took on, the battles we’re still waging, and the principles that guided me every step of the way,” Anders wrote.
Throughout the session, Anders said he provided frequent updates to constituents via email and social media, offering what he called an “unfiltered view” of events in Charleston. He emphasized his constitutional oath as the foundation for all legislative decisions.
Opposition to Spending and Taxes
One of Anders’ central themes was fiscal restraint. He sharply criticized what he called an “explosion” of government spending, voting against the state budget and warning that increased expenditures would translate into future tax burdens or inflation.
“Government spending is a tax,” Anders said. “Whether you see it now in higher income and sales taxes or later through inflation — the inflation tax is real, and it’s crippling families right here in our district.”
Legislative Priorities
Among his legislative efforts, Anders highlighted House Bill 2469, which sought to eliminate the so-called “rain tax,” a fee tied to stormwater runoff. Though the bill was not brought to a vote, Anders noted that language limiting local environmental regulations was adopted through other legislation.
He also pushed for a repeal of West Virginia’s Certificate of Need laws, describing them as outdated barriers to healthcare access, and led efforts to block Senate Bill 48, which would have allowed counties to raise local sales taxes. Anders said the bill was defeated through a coalition of like-minded lawmakers.
Cultural and Social Legislation
The delegate also underscored several conservative policy victories, including bans on gender transition procedures for minors and state-funded Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programs. He supported the Riley Gaines Act, which restricts participation in women’s sports to biological females, and the Parents’ Bill of Rights, asserting parental authority in education.
“We’re putting power back where it belongs: with families,” Anders said during floor debate.
He also touted his record on gun rights, co-sponsoring House Bill 2067 to shield firearm manufacturers from liability lawsuits, and advocated for full medical freedom, opposing vaccine mandates despite the measure failing to pass.
Criticism of Legislative Leadership
In one of the more striking parts of the statement, Anders accused the House Speaker of consolidating power and obstructing conservative bills.
“In West Virginia, we have a system where your elected representative is not equal — unless they bow to the Speaker,” he wrote. “This isn’t democracy. It’s a power structure that’s still run by undocumented Democrats wearing Republican lapel pins.”
Anders called for urgent changes to House rules to allow every bill a vote, saying the current system silences delegates and voters alike.
A Personal Note
Anders concluded his message by reaffirming his refusal to engage in what he described as the “insider game,” claiming that he skipped lobbyist events and avoided trading votes for political favors.
“I didn’t come to Charleston to play politics or seek power,” he wrote. “I came to stand between you and a government that’s grown far too comfortable telling you how to live.”
He also thanked his wife, Laura, for her support during the session, and promised to continue fighting for what he sees as a return to constitutional governance.
“The fight for liberty continues — and I’m not backing down,” Anders said.
As the Legislature adjourns and eyes turn to the next session, Anders says his mission remains unchanged: “I have not yet begun to fight.”
