Tristan Leavitt

Tristan Leavitt earned a bachelor's degree from Brigham Young University in 2007. He earned a law degree from Georgetown University in 2011.[1]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a husband, father, and disciple of Christ. My wife Brittany and I have five children ranging from 1st to 12th grade, most of whom are in Kanawha County Public Schools. We are extremely active in the community and in our local church congregation. Brittany also owns the local small business Nellie's Cookie Jar and works as a victims advocate for the Kanawha County Prosecutor.

Growing up, I learned the value of hard work by helping my dad hang sheetrock for his small business. My mom stayed home to raise the seven children in our family, and money was so tight we couldn’t afford health insurance. Knowing how far a dollar can go, I am passionate about government using our tax dollars wisely.

I've used that passion to focus my legal career on finding and fixing problems in government. I led congressional investigations into ATF’s Operation Fast and Furious, the U.S. Secret Service, and Hillary Clinton’s misuse of a private email server for classified government records. During the Trump Administration I was appointed to help lead two federal agencies, and in 2022 the U.S. Senate confirmed me to the three-person board that decides federal whistleblower appeals. In 2023 I became president of the nonprofit Empower Oversight, where I provide legal representation to whistleblowers from agencies like the IRS, the FBI, and the Secret Service bringing to light waste, and abuse in the federal government.

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?

Jobs: To improve our local economy and raise the standard of living, we need to bring more jobs to the area. The rising generation shouldn't have to move away from West Virginia after schooling just to have opportunities for good employment.Education: Our children deserve better educational outcomes. This will make them more competitive for the workforce and able to obtain better-paying jobs. Improving our education system will also make it easier to attract employers to the area.Effective government services: Our hard-earned tax dollars should be used efficiently and effectively, and that means looking more closely at where the state is spending money and where we are failing to provide the services that will actually improve the lives of West Virginians.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am a firm believer in human dignity, and am thus passionate about all public policies, such as those above, that can improve individual quality of life and enable prosperity. I am also passionate about *how* government operates, including with the right checks and balances, since that is key to whether individuals and businesses are allowed to meet their full potential. Finally, having lost three close family members to suicide and seen many loved ones face addiction, I am passionate about mental health and addiction recovery.

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

As a Christian, I strive to follow Jesus Christ in all that I do. I also love biographies and often find the lives of others inspiring. One public servant I have long admired is William Wilberforce, a Member of the English Parliament whose evangelical conversion motivated him in a twenty-year campaign that resulted in the abolition of the slave trade in the United Kingdom.

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

The 1966 film A Man for All Seasons, adapted from the Robert Bolt screenplay.

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

Integrity, humility, and willingness to work hard and listen to and compromise with others.

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

Hard work, determination, critical thinking, willingness to listen to others, healthy skepticism. Disagreeing without being disagreeable is also very important to me.

What legacy would you like to leave?

Kindness. Long after we're gone I believe we'll be judged by how we treated others.

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

The launching of the Gulf War against Saddam Hussein in 1991, when I was 7.

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

From about age 12 until age 18, I spent summers hanging sheetrock and doing drywall for my dad's small business. When I was old enough to drive I also worked some afternoons after school outside of the wrestling and debate seasons.

What is your favorite book? Why?

The Bible. It teaches me balance and perspective, and helps me feel closer to God.

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

Citizen legislatures like West Virginia's benefit from legislators with a variety of different perspectives and life experiences. However, I definitely believe my previous government experience would be beneficial to trying to tackle some of the uniquely thorny challenges West Virginia faces right now, such as improving our education system, our foster care system, etc.

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

Without question. Accomplishing results for your constituents requires building relationships with other legislators to find common ground and build coalitions.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Americans for Prosperity WV

Associated Builders & Contractors of WV

Big I of WV

Committee for Responsible Government

Contractors Association of WV

Gas and Oil Association of WV

International Union of Operating Engineers Local 132

Operators Political Education & Education Committee

WV & Appalachian Laborers District Council

WV Auto Dealers Association

WV Bankers Association

WV Beer Wholesalers PAC

WV Business & Industry Council

WV Building and Construction Trades

WV Chamber

WV Federation of Young Republicans

WV Home Builders Association

WV Hospital PAC

WV Manufacturers Association

WV Optometric Physicians

West Virginians for Life

What committees interest you?

Government Organization, Judiciary, Education, or any committee contributing to improving West Virginia's economy.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

I could not be more passionate about this issue. A bedrock principle of our democratic republic is that government is ultimately accountable to the people, and we elect representatives to help ensure that accountability. Since the legislature approves the expenditure of public funds, it has a fundamental responsibility to conduct oversight to ensure they're used efficiently and effectively. Transparency is essential to true accountability, so the more financial transparency, the better.