Jeffrey Vincent Kessler

[{"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>Jeffrey Kessler 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 Kessler'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-403764-2026-04-04\" id=\"heading-bio-403764-2026-04-04\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-403764-2026-04-04\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-403764-2026-04-04\" 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-403764-2026-04-04\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-403764-2026-04-04\" 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\tJeff has an undergraduate degree in Economics and Political Science and obtained his law degree from WVU College of Law. He is a practicing attorney with a focus on helping people and solving problems. He’s had a lifetime of public service at local, county and statewide levels having served as City Attorney, Municipal Judge, a Prosecutor, WV State Senator &amp; served as WV Senate President/Lt. Governor and Senate Democrat Minority Leader. He is a lifelong committed Democrat and has served on County and State Dem. Executive Committees. He was a Delegate to the Democrat Conventions in 2008 and 2012 (B.Obama) and 2012 (B. Sanders).\r\nJeff is running to replace Shelly Capito, to restore credibility in our Federal Government and to ensure that our democracy serves the people of WV and the public good… and not as a puppet of any one person or any special interest funders who control their votes. I have a history of being the voice for the voiceless, the struggling &amp; disadvantaged, minorities, and the hard-working men and women of our state. Public service done right is an honorable calling and our current Senator continues to let us down. My platform includes repealing the Big Ugly Bill billionaire tax breaks; restoring the unnecessary cuts to Medicaid, SNAP benefits &amp; social safety net programs; expanding health insurance access for all; an aggressive program of infrastructure projects to provide opportunities for job and wage growth for the people.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-403764-2026-04-04\" id=\"heading-key-message-403764-2026-04-04\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-403764-2026-04-04\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-403764-2026-04-04\" 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-403764-2026-04-04\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-403764-2026-04-04\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>Ready and affordable healthcare access to all people. It’s impossible to be productive if you’re not healthy!</li><li>Affordability. Raising the standard of living and incomes and opportunities for the working class &amp; not the privileged few!</li><li>Building an economy and opportunities in for the people of our country from the bottom and middle up….rather than the top down! Trickle down economics does not work and surely isn’t today!</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-403764-2026-04-04\" id=\"heading1-403764-2026-04-04\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-403764-2026-04-04\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-403764-2026-04-04\" 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=\"heading1-403764-2026-04-04\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-403764-2026-04-04\" 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\tHealthcare access and affordability. Free and fair elections which enables easier not harder voting. Having a legislative branch which jealously guards its role as a co-equal branch of government.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-403764-2026-04-04\" id=\"heading2-403764-2026-04-04\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse2-403764-2026-04-04\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-403764-2026-04-04\" 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=\"heading2-403764-2026-04-04\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse2-403764-2026-04-04\" 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\tWest Virginia AFL-CIO; WV-Communications Workers of America; WV Can’t Wait\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><div style=\"margin-bottom:1.5rem\"><h4>Campaign website</h4><p>Kessler's campaign website stated the following:</p><div style=\"max-height:400px;overflow-y:auto;border:1px solid #ccc;padding:10px;margin:20px\"><blockquote style=\"margin:0px\"><p>Affordability</p><p>The rising cost of living is putting tremendous pressure on West Virginia families, and Jeff Kessler understands those struggles firsthand. From groceries and gas to electricity and utility bills, everyday expenses have surged, forcing families to make difficult choices between essentials like healthcare, food, and housing. He believes no one should have to live that way. Jeff recognizes that families cannot afford more years of leadership that overlooks these challenges, and he is committed to fighting for real relief as he works to lower costs, ease financial burdens, and ensure West Virginians can afford the basic necessities to support their families.</p><p><br/></p><p>Healthcare</p><p>Affordable, accessible healthcare is a matter of life and death, and too many West Virginia families are being crushed by the rising costs of groceries, gas, and medical care. Having reliable health coverage is one of the most critical issues any family faces, often determining whether a loved one can access the treatment and care they need to live a full, healthy life. Jeff will fight to restore and protect Medicaid funding, ensure healthcare remains accessible and affordable, and push for a fair system where the wealthiest pay their share so working families can get the care they deserve</p><p><br/></p><p>JOB OPPORTUNITIES</p><p>The future of West Virginia depends on creating good-paying jobs and preparing workers for the opportunities ahead. Jeff Kessler believes the state must invest in education, job training, and vocational programs to ensure people are ready for the jobs of the future. From clean energy to emerging industries, he sees growing opportunities that other states are already embracing—but believes West Virginia has been left behind. Kessler is committed to promoting forward-thinking leadership that supports innovation, strengthens workforce development, and positions the state to compete in a changing economy instead of turning its back on new opportunities.</p><p><br/></p><p>eDucation</p><p>A strong education system depends on local control, open dialogue, and the freedom to learn. Jeff Kessler believes decisions about what students are taught should be made by teachers, local communities, and school boards. Not dictated from Washington. He is concerned about growing efforts to limit what can be taught and to restrict honest discussions about history and important issues. Kessler believes education should encourage critical thinking, open debate, and a full understanding of the past that is not silenced or censored. Jeff will stand up for local control, support educators, and protect the free exchange of ideas so students receive a well-rounded and truthful education.</p><p><br/></p><p>Opioid Crisis</p><p>West Virginia has been deeply impacted by the opioid crisis, and Jeff Kessler knows deeply the toll it takes not only on individuals, but on entire families. Having witnessed addiction firsthand within his own family, he knows the pain, struggle, and challenges that come with it. But he also believes recovery is possible, and that no one should have to face it alone. Kessler is committed to expanding access to substance abuse treatment and recovery programs in every community, ensuring families have the support, resources, and hope they need to overcome addiction and rebuild their lives.</p><p><br/></p><p>Criminal justice</p><p>A fair and effective criminal justice system starts with leadership that is focused on taking care of people and solving their problems. That’s the approach Jeff Kessler has taken throughout his career in law and public service. Too often, laws are applied unevenly which protect the wealthy and well-connected while everyday citizens face harsher consequences. That must change. Jeff believes justice must be enforced with fairness, compassion, and accountability, regardless of who you are or how much you have. He will prioritize policies that ensure equal application of the law, address root causes like poverty and addiction, and create a system that holds people accountable while also offering real opportunities for rehabilitation.</p><p><br/></p><p>Reproductive freedom</p><p>Reproductive freedom is about personal liberty, privacy, and the right to make your own healthcare decisions without government interference. Jeff Kessler believes these deeply personal choices should be made by individuals, their families, and their doctors, not politicians. He is committed to protecting access to contraception, defending the right to abortion, and ensuring that every West Virginian can access the care they need safely and without barriers.</p></blockquote><div style=\"text-align: right; font-size: 0.9em; color: #555; margin-top: 0.5em;\"><p style=\"font-size:0.9em;color:#555\">— Jeffrey Kessler's <a href=\"https://www.kessler2026.com/issues\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">campaign website</a> (May 8, 2026)</p></div></div></div><div style=\"text-align: center; font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0.5em;\"><i>Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.</i></div></div>", "answer_text": "See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection\n\nJeffrey Kessler completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2026. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Kessler's responses.\nExpand all | Collapse all\nWho are you? Tell us about yourself. Jeff has an undergraduate degree in Economics and Political Science and obtained his law degree from WVU College of Law. He is a practicing attorney with a focus on helping people and solving problems. He’s had a lifetime of public service at local, county and statewide levels having served as City Attorney, Municipal Judge, a Prosecutor, WV State Senator & served as WV Senate President/Lt. Governor and Senate Democrat Minority Leader. He is a lifelong committed Democrat and has served on County and State Dem. Executive Committees. He was a Delegate to the Democrat Conventions in 2008 and 2012 (B.Obama) and 2012 (B. Sanders).\r\nJeff is running to replace Shelly Capito, to restore credibility in our Federal Government and to ensure that our democracy serves the people of WV and the public good… and not as a puppet of any one person or any special interest funders who control their votes. I have a history of being the voice for the voiceless, the struggling & disadvantaged, minorities, and the hard-working men and women of our state. Public service done right is an honorable calling and our current Senator continues to let us down. My platform includes repealing the Big Ugly Bill billionaire tax breaks; restoring the unnecessary cuts to Medicaid, SNAP benefits & social safety net programs; expanding health insurance access for all; an aggressive program of infrastructure projects to provide opportunities for job and wage growth for the people. 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? Ready and affordable healthcare access to all people. It’s impossible to be productive if you’re not healthy! Affordability. Raising the standard of living and incomes and opportunities for the working class & not the privileged few! Building an economy and opportunities in for the people of our country from the bottom and middle up….rather than the top down! Trickle down economics does not work and surely isn’t today! What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? Healthcare access and affordability. Free and fair elections which enables easier not harder voting. Having a legislative branch which jealously guards its role as a co-equal branch of government. What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign? West Virginia AFL-CIO; WV-Communications Workers of America; WV Can’t Wait\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.\nCampaign website Kessler's campaign website stated the following: Affordability The rising cost of living is putting tremendous pressure on West Virginia families, and Jeff Kessler understands those struggles firsthand. From groceries and gas to electricity and utility bills, everyday expenses have surged, forcing families to make difficult choices between essentials like healthcare, food, and housing. He believes no one should have to live that way. Jeff recognizes that families cannot afford more years of leadership that overlooks these challenges, and he is committed to fighting for real relief as he works to lower costs, ease financial burdens, and ensure West Virginians can afford the basic necessities to support their families. Healthcare Affordable, accessible healthcare is a matter of life and death, and too many West Virginia families are being crushed by the rising costs of groceries, gas, and medical care. Having reliable health coverage is one of the most critical issues any family faces, often determining whether a loved one can access the treatment and care they need to live a full, healthy life. Jeff will fight to restore and protect Medicaid funding, ensure healthcare remains accessible and affordable, and push for a fair system where the wealthiest pay their share so working families can get the care they deserve JOB OPPORTUNITIES The future of West Virginia depends on creating good-paying jobs and preparing workers for the opportunities ahead. Jeff Kessler believes the state must invest in education, job training, and vocational programs to ensure people are ready for the jobs of the future. From clean energy to emerging industries, he sees growing opportunities that other states are already embracing—but believes West Virginia has been left behind. Kessler is committed to promoting forward-thinking leadership that supports innovation, strengthens workforce development, and positions the state to compete in a changing economy instead of turning its back on new opportunities. eDucation A strong education system depends on local control, open dialogue, and the freedom to learn. Jeff Kessler believes decisions about what students are taught should be made by teachers, local communities, and school boards. Not dictated from Washington. He is concerned about growing efforts to limit what can be taught and to restrict honest discussions about history and important issues. Kessler believes education should encourage critical thinking, open debate, and a full understanding of the past that is not silenced or censored. Jeff will stand up for local control, support educators, and protect the free exchange of ideas so students receive a well-rounded and truthful education. Opioid Crisis West Virginia has been deeply impacted by the opioid crisis, and Jeff Kessler knows deeply the toll it takes not only on individuals, but on entire families. Having witnessed addiction firsthand within his own family, he knows the pain, struggle, and challenges that come with it. But he also believes recovery is possible, and that no one should have to face it alone. Kessler is committed to expanding access to substance abuse treatment and recovery programs in every community, ensuring families have the support, resources, and hope they need to overcome addiction and rebuild their lives. Criminal justice A fair and effective criminal justice system starts with leadership that is focused on taking care of people and solving their problems. That’s the approach Jeff Kessler has taken throughout his career in law and public service. Too often, laws are applied unevenly which protect the wealthy and well-connected while everyday citizens face harsher consequences. That must change. Jeff believes justice must be enforced with fairness, compassion, and accountability, regardless of who you are or how much you have. He will prioritize policies that ensure equal application of the law, address root causes like poverty and addiction, and create a system that holds people accountable while also offering real opportunities for rehabilitation. Reproductive freedom Reproductive freedom is about personal liberty, privacy, and the right to make your own healthcare decisions without government interference. Jeff Kessler believes these deeply personal choices should be made by individuals, their families, and their doctors, not politicians. He is committed to protecting access to contraception, defending the right to abortion, and ensuring that every West Virginian can access the care they need safely and without barriers. — Jeffrey Kessler's campaign website (May 8, 2026) Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source."}]