Robert L. Karnes | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Member of the West Virginia Senate from the 11th district | |
| In office December 1, 2020 – December 1, 2024 | |
| Preceded by | John Pitsenbarger |
| Succeeded by | Robbie Morris |
| In office December 1, 2014 – December 1, 2018 | |
| Preceded by | Gregory Tucker |
| Succeeded by | Bill Hamilton |
| Personal details | |
| Born | May 13, 1969 South Charleston, West Virginia, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Residence(s) | Czar, West Virginia, U.S. |
Robert Lee Karnes is an American politician born in and representing West Virginia. He is known for controversial, conservative rhetoric. He is a former Republican member of the West Virginia Senate,[1][2] representing the 11th district from 2014 until 2018 and from 2020 to 2024.
Karnes initially took office after defeating Incumbent Democratic Senator Greg Tucker in 2014. This was the first election cycle in which West Virginian Republicans gained control in either the state House or Senate in over 80 years. Karnes then won re-election in the 2020 General Election after defeating Incumbent Republican Senator John Pitsenbarger in the 2020 Republican primary and Democrat Denise Campbell in the general election.[3][4]
Karnes ran for re-election in 2024 but was defeated in the Republican primary by Robbie Morris.[5]
Election results
[edit]| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Robert L. Karnes | 23,364 | 51.4% | |
| Democratic | Denise Campbell | 22,116 | 48.6% | |
| Total votes | 45,480 | 100.0% | ||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Robert L. Karnes | 15,171 | 55.59% | |
| Democratic | Gregory Tucker (incumbent) | 12,122 | 44.41% | |
| Total votes | 27,293 | 100.0% | ||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Dana Lynch | 3,351 | 59.94% | |
| Republican | Robert L. Karnes | 2,240 | 40.06% | |
| Total votes | 5,591 | 100.0% | ||
Controversies
[edit]During the 2018–2019 teachers' strikes, Karnes stated he believed that the strikes "[wouldn't] have any significant effect."[citation needed]
In 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Karnes wore a mesh mask to protest the West Virginian state-level mask mandate and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines by conducting official duties without a proper face covering.[citation needed]
Karnes was the only senator to vote against the Film Tax Credit, noting it would benefit Bette Midler more than West Virginia residents. It afforded him headlines via national news media.[citation needed]
References
[edit]- ^ "Robert L. Karnes". West Virginia Legislature. Retrieved October 30, 2017.
- ^ "Robert L. Karnes's Biography". Vote Smart. Retrieved October 30, 2017.
- ^ "County by County Race Results". WV Metro News. November 3, 2020.
- ^ "West Virginia Republican Said Teachers Won't "Have Any Significant Effect" On Elections. Then They Voted Him Out". The Intercept. May 11, 2018.
- ^ McElhinny, Brad (May 15, 2024). "Senate President Blair is defeated in primary as are incumbents Maroney, Swope and Karnes". West Virginia MetroNews. Retrieved May 15, 2024.
- ^ "Statewide Results: General Election - November 3, 2020". West Virginia Secretary of State. Retrieved November 30, 2020.
- ^ "Statewide Results: General Election - November 4, 2014". West Virginia Secretary of State. Archived from the original on November 7, 2017. Retrieved October 30, 2017.
- ^ "Statewide Results: General Election - November 6, 2012". West Virginia Secretary of State. Archived from the original on January 13, 2019. Retrieved October 30, 2017.
10. https://theintercept.com/2018/05/11/west-virginia-primary-teacher-strikes/
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