Rick Hillenbrand

Rick Hillenbrand was born in Staten Island, New York. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1978 to 1999. He earned a bachelor's degree from the Maritime College of the State University of New York in 1978. He earned a graduate degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1984. His career experience includes working as an unbleached supervisor and pulp engineer at Newpage Papers. He is affiliated with Boy Scouts of America and American Society of Naval Engineers.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Frederick Hillenbrand, better known as Rick by his friends and family, has resided in Hampshire County since 2011.

He graduated with a Bachelors of Engineering from SUNY Maritime College (with honors) and earned both a Master of Science and Ocean Engineer degrees (a post-Master’s degree) from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Upon graduation from Maritime College, he received a merchant marine license as 3rd Ass’t Engineer for steam & motor vessels of unlimited horsepower, and was commissioned as a naval officer. Qualified in Submarines as an Unrestricted Line Officer, he spent most of his over 20 years on active duty as an Engineering Duty Officer working in multiple naval shipyards and in program management, retiring as a Commander from the Pentagon as the Navy’s Program Manager for the (then) nearly 200 ship inactive fleet. Post Navy he worked as: a Sr. Engineer for M. Rosenblatt & Son, a Sr. Associate for Booz, Allen & Hamilton, Inc., American Woodmark in Moorefield, WV and the (then) NewPage pulp and paper mill in Luke, MD. He retired from NewPage in 2013 to care for his first wife who did not survive her battle with cancer.

Notable volunteering has included:

• Boy Scouts of America National Commissioner Service Team Technology Chair

• Bluffs on the Potomac Property Owners Association Board of Directors

• Trustee, Senior Warden, Treasurer and licensed Worship Leader for St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Romney

• Romney Cub Scout Pack 32 Committee Chair

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

I came out of retirement to serve, not to build a political career. Passing legislation is hard, tenacious work requiring persistence, teamwork and relationships built over time. I have helped secure permanent annual funding for volunteer fire departments and EMS, successfully led veterans’ legislation as Chair of the Veterans Caucus, and helped Piedmont transform a failing water system into a recognized success. I have learned how to turn local problems into statewide solutions while remaining accessible to the people I represent. West Virginia does not need more partisan finger-pointing; it needs experienced legislators who can work with others, build support, solve real problems and get results for the people they represent.My focus is on the practical challenges facing District 88: reliable, affordable energy; responsible data-center & transmission-line policy; clean drinking water; fair sewer and septic laws; more entry- and mid-level housing; economic development that brings good jobs and a stronger tax base to Hampshire and Mineral counties. Affordable housing is a major pinch point for local growth—we need homes that working families can afford and that attract the workforce employers need. West Virginia is growing economically, but too much of that growth has bypassed our district. I will keep working to bring investment, opportunity and good-paying jobs home while protecting the natural beauty and quality of life that make our communities special.Several events in 2021 caused me to believe God was calling me to serve in the House of Delegates. The final straw was when the Loudoun County School Board lied about the rape of a girl in school by, as reported by the New York Times, a “boy wearing a skirt”—then had the girl’s father arrested and dragged from a School Board meeting. Two of my granddaughters attend that school system. I realized I could sit on the sidelines and watch that type of government come to West Virginia, or get involved. I chose to serve—to protect our children, defend our constitutional freedoms and preserve the West Virginia way of life. Four years later, I remain committed to common sense, parental rights, individual liberty and accountable government.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

An effective legislator must be more than a one- or two-issue legislator. We must understand issues ranging from energy and water policy to education, health care and economic development. My priorities include reliable, affordable energy, including responsible data-center growth and transmission-line policy; clean drinking water and fair wastewater and septic policies; Veterans; VFDs and EMS; broadband; jobs and affordable housing; education, including skilled-trades training; youth; and combating illegal drugs and addiction. I also support COLAs for state retirees. For teacher retirees, we must first honor the commitment made last century to fully fund the existing retirement system, scheduled to be completed no later than 2034.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I've always like the classic Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, where the hero Mr. Smith (Head of the "Boy Rangers") is appointed to fill the seat of a recently deceased Senator. Much of the movie centers around Mr. Smith's fights against government corruption.

A book that I read that I found very thought provoking is "The Doctrine of the Lesser Magistrates" by Matthew J. Trewhella where "lesser

magistrates" are encouraged to do what is right by the people.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Integrity, honesty, hard working, selfless servant of the people you represent that works to be their voice in government.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Being accountable to the people who elected you. You need to care for ALL your constituents, even those who may not have voted for you, and be their advocate. For example I have "gone to bat" numerous times for Piedmont as they put in place a long term potable water supply.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My first paying job was in 6th grade when I worked for the fair selling tickets for the rides. It lasted one week.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Work - Life balance

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

To my way of thinking the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature combines collaboration, communication, respect, and a commitment to the public good. Ideally there should be shared goals, checks and balances with negotiation and compromise and when disagreements arise, both sides should HONESTLY seek common ground to find solutions that benefit the state. Although political differences may exist, the focus should be on serving the state rather than partisan interests because ultimately the governor and legislators should be held to the highest ethical standards and held accountable to their constituents.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Water, Energy, School funding, Housing. Plus, there are so many other important issues that we need to address such as child care, the war on drugs (I love the slogan "One pill can kill"), economic development and good paying jobs, continuing the build out of true broadband internet to every serviceable address in WV (one of my original campaign goals), Veterans

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Yes - As I said on the House floor in the final hours of the 2026 Regular Session of the Legislature in order to get HB5168 https://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/bills_text.cfm?billdoc=hb5168%20sub1%20enr.htm&yr=2026&sesstype=RS&i=5168 passed: "Perfect is the enemy of Good Enough." Had we not compromised and accepted the Senate's amended version of the bill, and sent the bill back to the Senate we would have gotten nothing... instead we passed a bill that, while it didn't get the "whole loaf" got much more than we would have gotten had HB5168 not passed.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

So far in 2026: 𝗔𝗙𝗟-𝗖𝗜𝗢 (plus many related individual and group trade organizations), 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗼𝗺, 𝗪𝗩 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲 (𝗟𝗔𝗪𝗣𝗔𝗖), 𝗪𝗩 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 & 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹, 𝗪𝗩 𝗖𝗼𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗪𝗩 𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗺 𝗕𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘂, 𝗪𝗩 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲, 𝗪𝗩 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, & 𝗪𝗩 𝗦𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗳𝗳’𝘀 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

For a complete list go to my campaign website: https://www.rick4wv88.com/endorsementandrankings

Note the NRA endorsed me in 2024 with an A grade.

What was the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember?

The assassination of President John Kennedy. I was 7.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Frederick Hillenbrand, better known as Rick by his friends and family, has resided in Hampshire County since 2011.

He graduated with a Bachelors of Engineering from SUNY Maritime College (with honors) and earned both a Master of Science and Ocean Engineer degrees (a post-Master’s degree) from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Upon graduation from Maritime College, he received a merchant marine license as 3rd Ass’t Engineer for steam & motor vessels of unlimited horsepower, and was commissioned as a naval officer. Qualified in Submarines as an Unrestricted Line Officer, he spent most of his over 20 years on active duty as an Engineering Duty Officer working in multiple naval shipyards and in program management, retiring as a Commander from the Pentagon as the Navy’s Program Manager for the (then) nearly 200 ship inactive fleet. Post Navy he worked as: a Sr. Engineer for M. Rosenblatt & Son, a Sr. Associate for Booz, Allen & Hamilton, Inc., American Woodmark in Moorefield, WV and the (then) NewPage pulp and paper mill in Luke, MD. He retired from NewPage in 2013 to care for his first wife who did not survive her battle with cancer.

Notable volunteering has included:

•

Boy Scouts of America National Commissioner Service Team Technology Chair

•

Bluffs on the Potomac Property Owners Association Board of Directors

•

Trustee, Senior Warden, Treasurer and licensed Worship Leader for St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Romney

•

Romney Cub Scout Pack 32 Committee Chair

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

“Truth, Justice and the American Way”… West Virginia style. You don’t have to look very hard to see what happens when we become politically complacent, just turn on the news. With the Russian invasion of Ukraine, we are experiencing the consequences of failed leadership, and now we are learning first-hand just how connected the world is today.

When I joined the Navy, I swore an oath to defend the Constitution which I still due today, including especially the 2nd Amendment. Further, I believe in the sanctity of life, all life, and in 2023 I helped pass House Bill 3302 with a 94-0 vote (with 6 absent) to recognize an unborn child as distinct victim in a DUI causing death including an embryo or fetus as defined in §61-2-30 of WV code.I came out of retirement to run for election in 2022 because we need “common” people with the integrity of a Boy Scout, a good head on their shoulders, and have actually been a servant-leader, who will put the needs of those they represent ahead of their own desires.

I AM a “full time” Legislator. While officially WV is a “part time” legislature, the reality is that in addition to the 60-day annual Legislative Session, the legislature also meets 8 months of the year for at least 3 days.

Further, as a true servant of the people you need to be generally available every day of the year, which I try to do by attending and participating in relevant county and community meetings and just generally being available to constituents.Several events in 2021 caused me to believe that God was calling me to serve my community in the House of Delegates. The straw that “broke the camel’s back” for me was when the Loudon County School Board (VA) lied to America about the rape of a girl in school by – as reported by the NY Times – a “boy wearing a skirt” - and as was televised on national television, then going so far as to have the girl’s father arrested and dragged out of a School Board meeting. This is the same school system where two of my granddaughters attend school. This led me to realize that either I could sit on the sidelines, and watch that type of government come to West Virginia, or I could get involved to protect our West Virginian way of life.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

To be an effective Legislator you need to be more than a “one or two issue” Legislator. I like to tell people that without exaggeration you need to be conversant in public policy topics ranging from nuclear power (which I do have a background in) to medicine to cremations.

This question is best answered by going to the ISSUES page of my website, https://www.Rick4WV88.com for details. But the issues that I am passionate about include: Veterans Affairs (I started the Veterans caucus), VFDS & EMS, Broadband, COLAs for WV state retirees, Jobs, Education, Youth, Illegal Drugs/Drug Abuse, Term Limits, Energy (coal and the Mt. Storm power station).

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

My father. He was a virtuous man of principle and integrity who "gave back" to his community.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

I've always like the classic Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, where the hero Mr. Smith (Head of the "Boy Rangers") is appointed to fill the seat of a recently deceased Senator. Much of the movie centers around Mr. Smith's fights against government corruption.

A book that I have recently read that I found very thought provoking is "The Doctrine of the Lesser Magistrates" by Matthew J. Trewhella where "lesser magistrates" are encouraged to do what is right by the people

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Integrity, honesty, hard working, selfless servant of the people you represent that works to be their voice in government.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Hard working, honest, frank, diligent, intelligent, people focused. (Additionally I still try to live by the 10 Commandments, and the Scout Oath and Law... Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean and Reverent.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Being accountable to the people who elected you. You need to care for ALL your constituents, even those who may not have voted for you, and be their advocate. For example I have "gone to bat" numerous times for Piedmont as they work to put in place a long term potable water supply.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I've never thought of what legacy I wish to leave. Instead, I would hope that when I am gone, from time to time people will remember me as being "good" person who made the world a better place.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The assassination of President John Kennedy. I was 7.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My first paying job was in 6th grade when I worked for the fair selling tickets for the rides. It lasted one week.

What is your favorite book? Why?

The Lord of the Rings trilogy. A bit of fantasy mixed with a good versus bad struggle where good prevails.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Gandalf.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

My weight.... and spending time relaxing. My wife tells me that I always got to be "doing something."

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

To my way of thinking the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature combines collaboration, communication, respect, and a commitment to the public good. Ideally there should be shared goals, checks and balances with negotiation and compromise and when disagreements arise, both sides should HONESTLY seek common ground to find solutions that benefit the state. Although political differences may exist, the focus should be on serving the state rather than partisan interests because ultimately the governor and legislators should be held to the highest ethical standards and held accountable to their constituents.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

1) Solving the drug crisis, 2) Delivering true broadband internet to most citizens, and 3) the looming illegal immigration crisis impact that is headed toward WV.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

Beneficial - yes, as in "helpful." Required - Absolutely NOT. For example, my 2+ decades working for the federal government (in and out of uniform) doing program management and understanding how the executive branch works has helped, but was not required.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

ABSOLUTELY! Because there are so many "wickets" that must be navigated to turn a bill into law, IMHO it is extremely important to be on the "right" committees, to add influential people from "the right" committees as co-sponsors to your bills, and advocate (plead) to get your bills on the required committee agendas in order to advance the bill eventually to the floor for a vote of the full chamber, and then repeat with the other chamber (for me that would be the Senate). I am proud of the fact that in a short time I have been in the House of Delegates, that I have made strong friendships with many Senators, so much so that I working together I was able to get four bills completely through the legislative process this year as the Lead Sponsor. (I've been told that as a Freshman Delegate that getting four bills through is quite a feat.)

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Not really. I do take "lessons" from everyone, even Legislators from the other side of the isle. But ultimately, I like to think that in the end I am unique.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

NO! As I have stated countless times, I enjoy serving the people as a Delegate, which is the closest a statehouse legislator can get to their constituents. I have no intention of running for any other political office when God decides my time is done.

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

None specifically, although there are many that pull at your heart strings.

Tell us your favorite joke.

Imagine if you would, an engineer, a physicist and mathematician all check into "identical" motel rooms one night. In the middle of the night "identical" fires break out in each room. The engineer wakes up, smells the smoke, sees the fire, runs to the bathroom, fills a trash can full of water, dumps it on the fire, putting it out and goes back to bed. The physicist wakes up, smells the smoke, sees the fire, pulls a pocket pyrometer out of his pajama top and takes three critical temperatures of the fire, runs to the bathroom, fills a thimble full of water, dumps it on the fire, putting it out and goes back to bed. The mathematician wakes up, smells the smoke, sees the fire, runs to the bathroom, looks at the sink, runs back to the fire, stares, runs back to the bathroom, strokes his chin, and says "Ah ha. A solution exists", and goes back to bed.

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

Yes. As the saying goes: Absolute power corrupts absolutely. The legislature needs to be the "safety valve" to avoid Executive Branch abuse of emergency powers.

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

As an incumbent Delegate, I have already successfully sponsored (both Lead and Co) many bills. During the 2024 Regular Session of the Legislature one bill that came "oh so close" to passing both chambers was my House Bill 4807.

https://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Text_HTML/2024_SESSIONS/RS/bills/hb4807%20sub%20eng.pdf I have already sent this bill to Bill Drafting for resubmission and introduction in 2025 assuming I am re-elected. This bill would establish limitations on billing practices of Internet or telecommunications providers that fail to provide subscribed customers service for five or more days to automatically credit the customer’s account for the lack of service proportional to the number of days of disrupted services.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

2024 endorsements & support (as of 3/26): WV Sheriffs' Association, West Virginia Association for Justice (LAWPAC), WV Appalachian Laborers' District Council PAC, Trump Administration Acting Under Secretary of Energy (and prior Ass’t Secretary of Energy for Fossil Energy) Steven Winberg

2022 endorsements & support:

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers

International Union of Operating Engineers

Laborers’ International Union

National Rifle Association

Plumbers & Pipefitters Local Union No. 152

Hon. Steve Winberg

United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America

LAWPAC

West Virginia Building and Construction Trades PAC

West Virginia Coal Association

West Virginia Farm PAC

West Virginians for Life PAC

What committees interest you?

I'm already on Judiciary, Government Organization, Technology & Infrastructure, and Veteran Affairs & Homeland Security, which keeps my agenda during session very full. However, I'm also "interested" in Energy and Finance based my professional experiences. Further, because they are such an important part of our rural West Virginian way of life, I also work closely with the Chairman of the Fire Departments and Emergency Medical Services committee. This is not to say that many (most?) of the other committee don't interest me, it is just that there is a limited amount of time in any given day.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Until we have full financial transparency and are 100% accountable, we need more financial transparency and government accountability.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I went to college on an ROTC scholarship and earned a Bachelor of Engineering degree from NY Maritime College. While in the Navy I earned an engineering Masters of Science degree and an Engineers degree.

I retired out of the Pentagon as a Commander in 1999 as the Program Manager for the Navy’s Inactive Fleet. After the Navy I continued to work in marine engineering in the metro DC area. Over a decade ago I built a house, took a job with American Woodmark and moved to WV full-time. I fully retired in 2013 from the Luke paper mill to care for my first wife who unfortunately did not survive her cancer.

Until now my spare time has been devoted significantly to volunteering. I’m on the board and an officer for several non-profits, a church trustee and treasurer. I am an active Scout leader from the local unit level through the national level.

I have two married sons, both Eagle Scouts like myself. Karl is a cardiothoracic anesthesiologist at the University of Kentucky Medical Center a career field that combines both an academic and practical hands-on education. Chris is a Quality Control Manager for Clark Construction in San Diego. Together, my current wife Barbie and I have 7 grandchildren, ages 1-9 with the oldest boy a Cub Scout.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

I think elected officials need to have a servant heart, a willingness to serve others. After nearly 50 years of being a Scout leader, and a full career as a naval officer, I know how what it means to put others first.Presently only 13% of WV legislators are veterans and can apply that unique experience to the job. I think that if this current administration had more experience being at the pointy end of the spear, current events in world politics might be much better. Make no mistake, the world is very connected today. Local decisions affect world events, and world events have local impact.Being fully retired, I am not seeking this position for the pay. We need full time representation in the state house, not someone who will be doing this as a "part time" job.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

As a retired Naval Officer, I am passionate about protecting our way of life. If elected I would like to address the following six issues, the first five which are intrinsically linked to each other:

1.

Broadband Internet, and

2.

Youth development

3.

Education, including formal trade skills

4.

Good paying jobs

5.

Illegal drug abuse

6.

Veteran affairs

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

I believe elected officials need to have a set of "Core Values" which they follow. I try to live primarily by two sets of "Core Values:"

1) The 10 Commandments

2) The Scout Oath and Law*

Scout Oath - On my honor, I will do my best. To do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; To help other people at all times; To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.

Scout Law - A Scout is: Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent

Whenever I find myself in a difficult situation and in need of guidance on how to proceed I look to the 10 Commandments and the Scout Oath and Law to help me.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Honesty

Integrity

Hard working

Intelligent

Team builder

Good with numbers (financials)

Believe in the rule of law - I support our men and women of law enforcement and the military

Do NOT believe that the judicial should try to "legislate from the bench." If the law says "paint it blue" the judge / magistrate should not try to rewrite the law "because they meant to write 'paint it yellow'." Instead, they should follow the law as written and seek to change laws that need to be corrected.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My first "job for pay" was when I was in the 6th grade I worked selling midway ride tickets at the local week-long fair.

My first job that lasted more than a week was doing yard work for an older couple who had a very large yard and no children. I did this for three years until I was 16. However, since this was seasonal work, I then took a year round part-time job working at a nursery and greenhouse while finishing high school.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Ozzy Osbourne's Crazy Train - I needed something fast paced that would help me push through a task.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

Each branch of government has its own role. The role of the legislature is to write and pass laws for the benefit of the constituents. The role of the executive branch is to implement and enforce the laws made by the legislature. The governor and legislature need to be able to work together to understand and meet the needs of their state. Ideally the relationship between the governor and legislature is one of checks and balances, that can perform efficient