Joseph Frederick Earley

[{"question": "Ballotpedia survey responses", "answer_html": "<p>See also: <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a></p>\n<div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-10 col-md-6 col-xs-offset-1 col-md-offset-3\"><p><a href=\"https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\"><img align=\"middle\" alt=\"Candidate Connection\" src=\"https://cdn.ballotpedia.org/images/8/88/Candidate_Connection_Logo.png\" width=\"90%\"/></a></p></div></div>\n<p>Joseph Earley completed <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a> survey in 2026. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Earley's responses.</p>\n<p><span class=\"expand-all\">Expand all</span> | <span class=\"collapse-all\">Collapse all</span></p>\n<div aria-multiselectable=\"true\" class=\"panel-group\" id=\"accordion\" role=\"tablist\"><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-405041-2026-03-29\" id=\"heading-bio-405041-2026-03-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-405041-2026-03-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-405041-2026-03-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho are you? Tell us about yourself.\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-bio-405041-2026-03-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-405041-2026-03-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI am a native West Virginian, veteran, and cybersecurity professional with a lifelong commitment to service. I began my career in the United States Army, serving 20 years as a Cavalry-Armor Senior Noncommissioned Officer and First Sergeant, where I led, trained, and mentored soldiers in high-responsibility environments. That experience shaped my leadership style—grounded in discipline, accountability, and mission focus.\r\n<p>Following my military service, I transitioned into the cybersecurity field, building a career supporting federal agencies and national security missions. Today, I serve as a cybersecurity engineer and consultant, helping organizations manage risk, protect critical systems, and strengthen resilience against evolving threats.\r\n</p><p>I hold multiple industry certifications, including C|CISO, CISSP, CGRC, and PMP, and I am actively pursuing CCSP, CISM, and the CMMC Professional certification through The Cyber AB. My work increasingly focuses on supporting Defense Industrial Base contractors with CMMC and NIST SP 800-171 compliance, while integrating ISO 27001 and ISO 31000 standards into practical, risk-based solutions.\r\n</p>\nI am a husband, father, and grandfather who believes deeply in faith, family, and community. My life has been defined by service—first in uniform, and now by helping secure our nation’s systems and supporting the people and businesses of West Virginia.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-405041-2026-03-29\" id=\"heading-key-message-405041-2026-03-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-405041-2026-03-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-405041-2026-03-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tPlease 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?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-key-message-405041-2026-03-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-405041-2026-03-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>I stand for a stronger, freer West Virginia built on fiscal responsibility, lower taxes, and pro-growth policies that let families keep more of what they earn while attracting jobs and investment.</li><li>I will defend family and parental rights—ensuring parents are in charge of their children’s education and healthcare, with expanded school choice and a focus on real student outcomes.</li><li>I will champion energy independence and economic growth by leveraging coal, natural gas, and nuclear power, while advancing workforce development, broadband expansion, and technology to secure West Virginia’s future.</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-405041-2026-03-29\" id=\"heading1-405041-2026-03-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-405041-2026-03-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-405041-2026-03-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading1-405041-2026-03-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-405041-2026-03-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI am passionate about advancing public policy that protects individual liberty while driving economic growth in West Virginia. That begins with responsible, limited government and pro-growth policies that empower families and businesses. I believe we must fully leverage our natural resources—coal, natural gas, and emerging energy technologies—to create jobs and strengthen energy independence. At the same time, we must invest in the future through technology, cybersecurity, and broadband expansion. Equally important is education reform that prioritizes student outcomes, school choice, and workforce alignment so our children have the opportunity—and the reason—to build their futures right here in West Virginia.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-405041-2026-03-29\" id=\"heading2-405041-2026-03-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse2-405041-2026-03-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-405041-2026-03-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading2-405041-2026-03-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse2-405041-2026-03-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tMy Creator - to live a life of service that was good, family centered, and responsible to my community.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-405041-2026-03-29\" id=\"heading3-405041-2026-03-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse3-405041-2026-03-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-405041-2026-03-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading3-405041-2026-03-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse3-405041-2026-03-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tIntegrity and Constituent connections for ground truth- Basically mean what you say and say what you mean.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-405041-2026-03-29\" id=\"heading4-405041-2026-03-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse4-405041-2026-03-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-405041-2026-03-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading4-405041-2026-03-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse4-405041-2026-03-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tTruly be a representative for the people who elected you and never go back on your word. Focus on Economic Growth, West Virginia Energy, Parental Rights, Choice in Education and Health Freedoms.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-405041-2026-03-29\" id=\"heading5-405041-2026-03-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse5-405041-2026-03-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-405041-2026-03-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat legacy would you like to leave?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading5-405041-2026-03-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse5-405041-2026-03-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tOne of Service to Country and to West Virginia\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-405041-2026-03-29\" id=\"heading6-405041-2026-03-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse6-405041-2026-03-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-405041-2026-03-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat was your very first job? How long did you have it?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading6-405041-2026-03-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse6-405041-2026-03-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tAt 16 years old I was a Fry Cook at Burger Queen in Marmet, WV. I worked their for about a 18 months prior entering the adult workforce as a Gas and Oil Survey Team Member and prior to HS Graduation.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-405041-2026-03-29\" id=\"heading7-405041-2026-03-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse7-405041-2026-03-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-405041-2026-03-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading7-405041-2026-03-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse7-405041-2026-03-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tNon-adversarial and committed to creating economic opportunities and growth of our State- albeit there will be disagreements of the details, but the relationship should espouse the same goals.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-405041-2026-03-29\" id=\"heading8-405041-2026-03-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse8-405041-2026-03-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-405041-2026-03-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading8-405041-2026-03-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse8-405041-2026-03-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tLoss of of 18-34 Year old and that economic impact. Bringing in new technology jobs and leveraging our existing natural energy resources to power the nation.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-405041-2026-03-29\" id=\"heading9-405041-2026-03-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse9-405041-2026-03-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-405041-2026-03-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading9-405041-2026-03-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse9-405041-2026-03-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tWV Health Freedom PAC\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-405041-2026-03-29\" id=\"heading10-405041-2026-03-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse10-405041-2026-03-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-405041-2026-03-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat was the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading10-405041-2026-03-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse10-405041-2026-03-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThe Civil Rights Movement in the US and the Vietnam War\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div></div>\n<div class=\"small\" data-nosnippet=\"\"><p><i><b>Note:</b> Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.</i></p></div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"></div>\n<div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-10 col-md-6 col-xs-offset-1 col-md-offset-3\"><p><a href=\"https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\"><img align=\"middle\" alt=\"Candidate Connection\" src=\"https://cdn.ballotpedia.org/images/8/88/Candidate_Connection_Logo.png\" width=\"90%\"/></a></p></div></div>\n<p>Joseph Earley completed <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a> survey in 2023. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Earley's responses.</p>\n<p><span class=\"expand-all\">Expand all</span> | <span class=\"collapse-all\">Collapse all</span></p>\n<div aria-multiselectable=\"true\" class=\"panel-group\" id=\"accordion\" role=\"tablist\"><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-176551-2023-01-15\" id=\"heading-bio-176551-2023-01-15\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-176551-2023-01-15\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-176551-2023-01-15\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho are you? Tell us about yourself.\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-bio-176551-2023-01-15\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-176551-2023-01-15\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tAs a Son of West Virginia, I’m a fighter with a strong desire to continue to serve my country as a patriot and I care deeply about West Virginia and our Nation. Born in Montgomery, WV, I attended public school in Kanawha County, graduating from DuPont High School in 1978. I come from a lineage of tradesmen, steel workers, railway workers, coal miners, and military servicemen. I developed a strong work ethic at an early age and put that to good use working part-time while attending DuPont High School. I entered the adult workforce as a tradesman of drafting and surveying at the age of 17 years old and worked on survey crews for several Charleston, West Virginia based engineering firms. I entered the United States Army as an Armor Crewman in 1982 and upon retiring from military service as First Sergeant in January 2002, I returned home to West Virginia as a federal contractor, leading a Department of Defense (DOD) Training Program for Weapons of Mass Destruction to Military and Civilian First Responders, Biometric Experimentation and Cybersecurity programs. I hold a Master of Science degree in Technology Management, with emphasis in Information Security, from Marshall University and a BS in Occupational Training and Development from the University of Louisville. I actively support Veteran causes as of Chairman of the newly founded Harrison County Veterans Council, as an organizational member of the Marion County Veterans Council.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-176551-2023-01-15\" id=\"heading-key-message-176551-2023-01-15\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-176551-2023-01-15\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-176551-2023-01-15\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tPlease 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?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-key-message-176551-2023-01-15\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-176551-2023-01-15\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>America First Constitutional Conservative that will represent the West Virginia 2nd District applying straightforward principled leadership .</li><li>Pursue and support legislation that leveraged West Virginia energy resources and the technology workforce to further economic prosperity of WV-02</li><li>Preserve our constitutional rights as the founders intended.</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-176551-2023-01-15\" id=\"heading1-176551-2023-01-15\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-176551-2023-01-15\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-176551-2023-01-15\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading1-176551-2023-01-15\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-176551-2023-01-15\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tEnergy Independence, Border Security, Legal Immigration, National Security and Defense, US Technology Protections. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-176551-2023-01-15\" id=\"heading2-176551-2023-01-15\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse2-176551-2023-01-15\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-176551-2023-01-15\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading2-176551-2023-01-15\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse2-176551-2023-01-15\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tRonald Reagan - humble and effective leader that genuinely cared for humanity. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-176551-2023-01-15\" id=\"heading3-176551-2023-01-15\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse3-176551-2023-01-15\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-176551-2023-01-15\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading3-176551-2023-01-15\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse3-176551-2023-01-15\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tVietnam War, 6-13 years old\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div></div>\n<div class=\"small\" data-nosnippet=\"\"><p><i><b>Note:</b> Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.</i></p></div>", "answer_text": "See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection\n\nJoseph Earley completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2026. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Earley's responses.\nExpand all | Collapse all\nWho are you? Tell us about yourself. I am a native West Virginian, veteran, and cybersecurity professional with a lifelong commitment to service. I began my career in the United States Army, serving 20 years as a Cavalry-Armor Senior Noncommissioned Officer and First Sergeant, where I led, trained, and mentored soldiers in high-responsibility environments. That experience shaped my leadership style—grounded in discipline, accountability, and mission focus. Following my military service, I transitioned into the cybersecurity field, building a career supporting federal agencies and national security missions. Today, I serve as a cybersecurity engineer and consultant, helping organizations manage risk, protect critical systems, and strengthen resilience against evolving threats. I hold multiple industry certifications, including C|CISO, CISSP, CGRC, and PMP, and I am actively pursuing CCSP, CISM, and the CMMC Professional certification through The Cyber AB. My work increasingly focuses on supporting Defense Industrial Base contractors with CMMC and NIST SP 800-171 compliance, while integrating ISO 27001 and ISO 31000 standards into practical, risk-based solutions. I am a husband, father, and grandfather who believes deeply in faith, family, and community. My life has been defined by service—first in uniform, and now by helping secure our nation’s systems and supporting the people and businesses of West Virginia. 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 stand for a stronger, freer West Virginia built on fiscal responsibility, lower taxes, and pro-growth policies that let families keep more of what they earn while attracting jobs and investment. I will defend family and parental rights—ensuring parents are in charge of their children’s education and healthcare, with expanded school choice and a focus on real student outcomes. I will champion energy independence and economic growth by leveraging coal, natural gas, and nuclear power, while advancing workforce development, broadband expansion, and technology to secure West Virginia’s future. What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? I am passionate about advancing public policy that protects individual liberty while driving economic growth in West Virginia. That begins with responsible, limited government and pro-growth policies that empower families and businesses. I believe we must fully leverage our natural resources—coal, natural gas, and emerging energy technologies—to create jobs and strengthen energy independence. At the same time, we must invest in the future through technology, cybersecurity, and broadband expansion. Equally important is education reform that prioritizes student outcomes, school choice, and workforce alignment so our children have the opportunity—and the reason—to build their futures right here in West Virginia. Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why? My Creator - to live a life of service that was good, family centered, and responsible to my community. What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official? Integrity and Constituent connections for ground truth- Basically mean what you say and say what you mean. What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office? Truly be a representative for the people who elected you and never go back on your word. Focus on Economic Growth, West Virginia Energy, Parental Rights, Choice in Education and Health Freedoms. What legacy would you like to leave? One of Service to Country and to West Virginia What was your very first job? How long did you have it? At 16 years old I was a Fry Cook at Burger Queen in Marmet, WV. I worked their for about a 18 months prior entering the adult workforce as a Gas and Oil Survey Team Member and prior to HS Graduation. What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature? Non-adversarial and committed to creating economic opportunities and growth of our State- albeit there will be disagreements of the details, but the relationship should espouse the same goals. What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade? Loss of of 18-34 Year old and that economic impact. Bringing in new technology jobs and leveraging our existing natural energy resources to power the nation. What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign? WV Health Freedom PAC What was the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? The Civil Rights Movement in the US and the Vietnam War\nNote: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.\n\n\nJoseph Earley completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2023. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Earley's responses.\nExpand all | Collapse all\nWho are you? Tell us about yourself. As a Son of West Virginia, I’m a fighter with a strong desire to continue to serve my country as a patriot and I care deeply about West Virginia and our Nation. Born in Montgomery, WV, I attended public school in Kanawha County, graduating from DuPont High School in 1978. I come from a lineage of tradesmen, steel workers, railway workers, coal miners, and military servicemen. I developed a strong work ethic at an early age and put that to good use working part-time while attending DuPont High School. I entered the adult workforce as a tradesman of drafting and surveying at the age of 17 years old and worked on survey crews for several Charleston, West Virginia based engineering firms. I entered the United States Army as an Armor Crewman in 1982 and upon retiring from military service as First Sergeant in January 2002, I returned home to West Virginia as a federal contractor, leading a Department of Defense (DOD) Training Program for Weapons of Mass Destruction to Military and Civilian First Responders, Biometric Experimentation and Cybersecurity programs. I hold a Master of Science degree in Technology Management, with emphasis in Information Security, from Marshall University and a BS in Occupational Training and Development from the University of Louisville. I actively support Veteran causes as of Chairman of the newly founded Harrison County Veterans Council, as an organizational member of the Marion County Veterans Council. 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? America First Constitutional Conservative that will represent the West Virginia 2nd District applying straightforward principled leadership . Pursue and support legislation that leveraged West Virginia energy resources and the technology workforce to further economic prosperity of WV-02 Preserve our constitutional rights as the founders intended. What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? Energy Independence, Border Security, Legal Immigration, National Security and Defense, US Technology Protections. Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why? Ronald Reagan - humble and effective leader that genuinely cared for humanity. What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time? Vietnam War, 6-13 years old\nNote: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it."}, {"question": "Campaign website", "answer_html": "<p>Earley's campaign website stated the following:\n</p>\n<div style=\"height:400px;overflow:scroll;border:1px solid gray;margin:20px;padding:10px;\">\n<table data-nosnippet=\"\" style=\"border-collapse: collapse; border: none;background-color: transparent; auto; ;\">\n<tbody><tr>\n<td style=\"border:none; color:#B2B7F2;font-size:35px;font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: left; padding: 10px 3px;\" valign=\"top\" width=\"20\">“\n</td>\n<td style=\"border: none; padding: 4px 10px;\" valign=\"top\">\n<p><b>Term Limits For Congress</b><br/>\nJoe Earley is not a career politician or a former lobbyist unlike his opponent. Joe is the only candidate to sign the Term Limits pledge, because he embraces the vision of our founding fathers of a citizen’s legislature. Nothing will change in Washington if we don’t end the stranglehold of career politicians who always put their power ahead of the people. As our next Congressman, Joe Earley will co-sponsor Rep. Ralph Norman’s term limits legislation.\n</p><p><b>Economic Prosperity NOT Inflation</b><br/>\nWest Virginia needs jobs! As our next Congressman, Joe Earley will fight for economic prosperity by rolling back taxes and regulations that are job killers. Moreover, he will fully support our energy industry that has been the lifeblood of our state. We can count on Joe to support small business, revive our economy, grow jobs, and reverse bad Biden policy.\n</p><p>Moreover, Joe knows how the printing of money by the federal government is causing inflation and jeopardizing the fiscal stability of our nation. He is the only candidate to oppose the bad debt ceiling plan that put our nation another $4 trillion in debt. Joe will fight for a balanced budget, stop earmarking of funds, end picking winners and losers by the federal government, and restore American energy independence.\n</p><p><b>Pro-Life</b><br/>\nJoe Earley strongly believes that all life is precious. As our next Congressman, he will work to stop the devaluing of the gift of life, defund abortion providers, and support adoption. You can count on Joe Earley to stand against abortion and protect the unborn at every stage of life.\n</p><p><b>Empower Parents and Educate Next Generation</b><br/>\nAs our next Congressman, Joe Earley will work to empower parents in the classroom and get politics out of the curriculum. Joe will stop the radicalization and the gender confusion happening in our schools. As a veteran, Joe has the fortitude to take on the teacher’s union that is consumed by implementing a dangerous left-wing agenda. He supports Senate Bill S.3218: Parents’ Bill of Rights Act 2021 and will co-sponsor H.R. 5 – Parents Bill of Rights Act.\n</p><p><b>Election Integrity</b><br/>\nAs our next Congressman, Joe Earley will work to restore people’s faith in our electoral system. He is committed to serving on the Election Integrity Caucus when elected to Congress.\n</p><p><b>National Sovereignty</b><br/>\nAs a veteran, Joe Earley has put his life on the line to protect our freedoms and our country and he understands that peace comes from strength. As our next Congressman, he will support our military and national defense. He will NOT allow our nation to be vulnerable to foreign threats such as China, North Korea, Iran, and Russia.\n</p><p><b>Preserve ALL of Our Constitutional Rights</b><br/>\nAs a veteran, Joe Earley is a strong protector and fervent defender of Constitution and the Bill of Rights. He will fight to preserve all of our Constitution rights whether it is taking on big tech or liberal special interest groups that want to trample our First and Second amendment rights.\n</p><p>Unlike the woke culture, he doesn’t believe that the Constitution is a living document that can metamorphosed. The Constitution is a timeless and immutable document that aligns with Natural Law and Objective Truth. Joe Earley believes that our schools must emphasize American History and teach the importance of the United States Constitution and our constitutional rights in the classroom.\n</p><p><b>Energy Independence</b><br/>\nAs a veteran, Joe Earley has the backbone to take on the woke environmentalist in DC who oppose fossil fuels (coal, natural gas, and oil). He will work to make our country energy independent once again by leveraging America’s resources and cutting out foreign oil. West Virginia can count on Joe.\n</p><p><b>End Illegal Immigration</b><br/>\nOur country is being invaded via the southern border. Like you, Joe Earley is outraged by President Biden’s failure to secure our borders. As our next Congressman, Joe Earley will stop the kicking the can down the road on the issue of illegal immigration. He will support funding building the wall, ending the catch and release program, funding ICE and so much more.\n</p><p>As a veteran, we can count on Joe to protect our nation provide for border security.\n</p><p><b>2nd Amendment</b><br/>\nSecond Amendment: This is the long pole in the tent regarding safeguarding our freedoms. As a life-long gun owner and 2nd Amendment practitioner, I stand firmly in protecting the Second Amendment and the right to self-defense, while also recognizing the importance of an armed citizenry for personal safety and deterrence. I advocate for National Reciprocity, ensuring law-abiding citizens can carry firearms across state lines without the weighted boot of government pressing on our God-given right to self-defense. Additionally, I believe in reevaluating the necessity and effectiveness of [abolishing] the ATF and am a staunch advocate for rescinding the 1934 National Firearms Act in its totality.\n</p><p><b>I stand firmly on these principles in support of the Second Amendment.</b><br/>\n<b>Defend the Second Amendment: </b>As a strong advocate of individual freedoms, I believe in upholding and protecting the constitutional right of all Americans to bear arms, ensuring their ability to defend themselves, their loved ones, and their property.\n</p><p><b>Preserve Self-Defense Rights:</b> It is crucial to safeguard the fundamental right of self-defense. I will fight against any attempts to infringe upon this right, ensuring that law-abiding citizens have the means to protect themselves and their families.\n</p><p><b>Oppose Gun Control Measures:</b> I firmly stand against any legislation that seeks to restrict or limit law-abiding citizens' access to firearms. I will actively oppose any proposed gun control measures,\nsteadfastly defending the rights of armed Americans.\n</p><p><b>Support National Reciprocity: </b>I will work tirelessly to establish concealed carry reciprocity across state lines, allowing law-abiding individuals to carry their firearms for self-defense purposes, regardless of the state they are in.\n</p><p><b>Promote Responsible Gun Ownership:</b> Education and training are vital to responsible gun ownership. I will champion initiatives that promote firearm safety in the public education space, while encouraging all gun owners to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to handle firearms safely and responsibly.\n</p><p><b>Stand Against Firearms Confiscation:</b> I am staunchly opposed to any attempts to confiscate firearms from law-abiding citizens. I will vigorously oppose any such measures, fighting to preserve the rights of individuals to possess and use firearms for lawful purposes.\n</p><p><b>Protect American Gun Ownership Tradition: </b>The right to bear arms is deeply rooted in our nation's history and traditions. I will honor this legacy by standing firm in my support for the Second Amendment, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the same freedoms and protections that have defined our great nation.\n</p><p><b>Earley Plan To Stop Illegal Immigration</b>\n</p>\n<ul><li>Building The Wall</li>\n<li>No federal government payouts to illegal immigrants,</li>\n<li>End the catch and release program that allows criminal illegal immigrants back on to our streets,</li>\n<li>Increasing funding for ICE,</li>\n<li>End birthright citizenship for babies born to parents who are illegally in the United States,</li>\n<li>End chain migration for non-immediate family members,</li>\n<li>Hold back federal funding for sanctuary states and cities,</li>\n<li>End the abuse of asylum claims,</li>\n<li>Prohibit taxpayer dollars from paying for attorneys for illegal immigrants,</li>\n<li>End the visa lottery system.</li>\n<li>Prohibit illegal aliens from receiving taxpayer-funded benefits such as health care, welfare and housing,</li>\n<li>Increasing penalties on businesses that purposely hire illegal aliens,</li>\n<li>Requiring mandatory employer verification,</li>\n<li>Re-evaluate criteria for refugee status,</li>\n<li>Strengthen background checks on visas,</li>\n<li>Withhold certain federal funds for states that allow illegal immigrants to get drivers' licenses,</li>\n<li>End visa overstays,</li>\n<li>Increase penalties for human trafficking,</li>\n<li>Increase funds for courts dealing with deportation disputes, and deny false asylum claims access to our courts, and</li>\n<li>Enact merit-based immigration reform to expedite naturalization process.</li>\n<li>5 Year moratorium on NEW immigration allowing us to find, deport, and sort out current backlog of applications and illegal entries.<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-quotedisclaimer_3-0\"><a href=\"#cite_note-quotedisclaimer-3\">[3]</a></sup></li></ul>\n</td>\n<td style=\"border: none; color: #B2B7F2; font-size: 35px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: right; padding: 10px 1px;\" valign=\"bottom\" width=\"20\">”\n</td></tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"cquotecite\" colspan=\"3\" style=\"border: none; padding-right: 4%\"><cite style=\"font-style: normal;font-size: smaller; float: right;\">—Joseph Earley’s campaign website (2024)<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-4\"><a href=\"#cite_note-4\">[4]</a></sup></cite>\n</td></tr></tbody></table>\n</div>", "answer_text": "Earley's campaign website stated the following:\n“ Term Limits For Congress Joe Earley is not a career politician or a former lobbyist unlike his opponent. Joe is the only candidate to sign the Term Limits pledge, because he embraces the vision of our founding fathers of a citizen’s legislature. Nothing will change in Washington if we don’t end the stranglehold of career politicians who always put their power ahead of the people. As our next Congressman, Joe Earley will co-sponsor Rep. Ralph Norman’s term limits legislation. Economic Prosperity NOT Inflation West Virginia needs jobs! As our next Congressman, Joe Earley will fight for economic prosperity by rolling back taxes and regulations that are job killers. Moreover, he will fully support our energy industry that has been the lifeblood of our state. We can count on Joe to support small business, revive our economy, grow jobs, and reverse bad Biden policy. Moreover, Joe knows how the printing of money by the federal government is causing inflation and jeopardizing the fiscal stability of our nation. He is the only candidate to oppose the bad debt ceiling plan that put our nation another $4 trillion in debt. Joe will fight for a balanced budget, stop earmarking of funds, end picking winners and losers by the federal government, and restore American energy independence. Pro-Life Joe Earley strongly believes that all life is precious. As our next Congressman, he will work to stop the devaluing of the gift of life, defund abortion providers, and support adoption. You can count on Joe Earley to stand against abortion and protect the unborn at every stage of life. Empower Parents and Educate Next Generation As our next Congressman, Joe Earley will work to empower parents in the classroom and get politics out of the curriculum. Joe will stop the radicalization and the gender confusion happening in our schools. As a veteran, Joe has the fortitude to take on the teacher’s union that is consumed by implementing a dangerous left-wing agenda. He supports Senate Bill S.3218: Parents’ Bill of Rights Act 2021 and will co-sponsor H.R. 5 – Parents Bill of Rights Act. Election Integrity As our next Congressman, Joe Earley will work to restore people’s faith in our electoral system. He is committed to serving on the Election Integrity Caucus when elected to Congress. National Sovereignty As a veteran, Joe Earley has put his life on the line to protect our freedoms and our country and he understands that peace comes from strength. As our next Congressman, he will support our military and national defense. He will NOT allow our nation to be vulnerable to foreign threats such as China, North Korea, Iran, and Russia. Preserve ALL of Our Constitutional Rights As a veteran, Joe Earley is a strong protector and fervent defender of Constitution and the Bill of Rights. He will fight to preserve all of our Constitution rights whether it is taking on big tech or liberal special interest groups that want to trample our First and Second amendment rights. Unlike the woke culture, he doesn’t believe that the Constitution is a living document that can metamorphosed. The Constitution is a timeless and immutable document that aligns with Natural Law and Objective Truth. Joe Earley believes that our schools must emphasize American History and teach the importance of the United States Constitution and our constitutional rights in the classroom. Energy Independence As a veteran, Joe Earley has the backbone to take on the woke environmentalist in DC who oppose fossil fuels (coal, natural gas, and oil). He will work to make our country energy independent once again by leveraging America’s resources and cutting out foreign oil. West Virginia can count on Joe. End Illegal Immigration Our country is being invaded via the southern border. Like you, Joe Earley is outraged by President Biden’s failure to secure our borders. As our next Congressman, Joe Earley will stop the kicking the can down the road on the issue of illegal immigration. He will support funding building the wall, ending the catch and release program, funding ICE and so much more. As a veteran, we can count on Joe to protect our nation provide for border security. 2nd Amendment Second Amendment: This is the long pole in the tent regarding safeguarding our freedoms. As a life-long gun owner and 2nd Amendment practitioner, I stand firmly in protecting the Second Amendment and the right to self-defense, while also recognizing the importance of an armed citizenry for personal safety and deterrence. I advocate for National Reciprocity, ensuring law-abiding citizens can carry firearms across state lines without the weighted boot of government pressing on our God-given right to self-defense. Additionally, I believe in reevaluating the necessity and effectiveness of [abolishing] the ATF and am a staunch advocate for rescinding the 1934 National Firearms Act in its totality. I stand firmly on these principles in support of the Second Amendment. Defend the Second Amendment: As a strong advocate of individual freedoms, I believe in upholding and protecting the constitutional right of all Americans to bear arms, ensuring their ability to defend themselves, their loved ones, and their property. Preserve Self-Defense Rights: It is crucial to safeguard the fundamental right of self-defense. I will fight against any attempts to infringe upon this right, ensuring that law-abiding citizens have the means to protect themselves and their families. Oppose Gun Control Measures: I firmly stand against any legislation that seeks to restrict or limit law-abiding citizens' access to firearms. I will actively oppose any proposed gun control measures,\nsteadfastly defending the rights of armed Americans. Support National Reciprocity: I will work tirelessly to establish concealed carry reciprocity across state lines, allowing law-abiding individuals to carry their firearms for self-defense purposes, regardless of the state they are in. Promote Responsible Gun Ownership: Education and training are vital to responsible gun ownership. I will champion initiatives that promote firearm safety in the public education space, while encouraging all gun owners to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to handle firearms safely and responsibly. Stand Against Firearms Confiscation: I am staunchly opposed to any attempts to confiscate firearms from law-abiding citizens. I will vigorously oppose any such measures, fighting to preserve the rights of individuals to possess and use firearms for lawful purposes. Protect American Gun Ownership Tradition: The right to bear arms is deeply rooted in our nation's history and traditions. I will honor this legacy by standing firm in my support for the Second Amendment, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the same freedoms and protections that have defined our great nation. Earley Plan To Stop Illegal Immigration Building The Wall No federal government payouts to illegal immigrants, End the catch and release program that allows criminal illegal immigrants back on to our streets, Increasing funding for ICE, End birthright citizenship for babies born to parents who are illegally in the United States, End chain migration for non-immediate family members, Hold back federal funding for sanctuary states and cities, End the abuse of asylum claims, Prohibit taxpayer dollars from paying for attorneys for illegal immigrants, End the visa lottery system. Prohibit illegal aliens from receiving taxpayer-funded benefits such as health care, welfare and housing, Increasing penalties on businesses that purposely hire illegal aliens, Requiring mandatory employer verification, Re-evaluate criteria for refugee status, Strengthen background checks on visas, Withhold certain federal funds for states that allow illegal immigrants to get drivers' licenses, End visa overstays, Increase penalties for human trafficking, Increase funds for courts dealing with deportation disputes, and deny false asylum claims access to our courts, and Enact merit-based immigration reform to expedite naturalization process. 5 Year moratorium on NEW immigration allowing us to find, deport, and sort out current backlog of applications and illegal entries. [3] ” —Joseph Earley’s campaign website (2024) [4]"}]